![William Ray Thomas, Sr.](http://www.dailyjournal.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2018/10/webPhoto417154.jpg)
EDINBURGH
William Ray Thomas, Sr. passed away October 7, 2018 at Franklin Meadows in Franklin, Indiana. He was born April 27, 1929 in Cumberland Gap, Tennessee. He was the son of Byrd and Vistie M. (Whittaker) Thomas. He married Margie N. (West) Thomas on July 2, 1952. She preceded him in death on August 15, 2014.
He is survived by his sons, Billy (Nancy) Thomas of Cortland, Indiana and Jimmy (Crystal) Thomas of Edinburgh, Indiana, daughters, Millie (Elvis) Gaskins of Edinburgh, Indiana, Wanda (Bob) Evans of Edinburgh, Indiana, and Barbara (Ronnie) Rooks of Edinburgh, Indiana, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, daughter, Gail Marie Burton, brother, Claude Thomas, sisters, Norma L. Jones and Edith Whittaker, half-brother, Earl Myers and half-sister, Ruby DeBusk.
He was a member of Edinburgh Masonic Lodge #100 for 50 plus years. He owned and operated Thomas Welding Service for over 30 years. He formally was a police officer on the Edinburgh Police Department.
He enjoyed fishing, walking, bowling, and had sponsored a bowling team.
A funeral service will be conducted at 10:00 AM on Friday, October 12, 2018 at Who-So-Ever-Will Community Church in Edinburgh, Indiana. Calling will be Thursday from 4:00 until 8:00 PM and from 9:00 AM until time of service on Friday. Burial will be at Rest Haven Cemetery in Edinburgh.
Arrangements made by Eskew-Eaton Funeral Home in Edinburgh, Indiana.