Raymond Archie Thomas, 56, of Thomas, died early Saturday morning, Dec. 15, 2018, at his home.

He had attended school at Wesley Ray and later worked for many years at the Franklinton Activity Center. Raymond was a member of Bible Baptist Church, where he loved singing and meeting new people that visited the church.

Raymond was a huge fan of Elvis Presley and had a large collection of small statues and other memorabilia decorating his bedroom. He loved to play the drums and enjoyed sitting on the front porch playing his guitar and singing, often Elvis’ songs.

Raymond was always very friendly and loved hugging the ones that he cared for and even those people he had just met.

He is survived by his mother, Earline Martin Thomas of Thomas; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary Jane and Joseph Stogner of Sandy Hook, Miss., and Sharon Jan and John Hartzog of Bogalusa; sister-in-law, Linda Thomas of Tylertown, Miss.; and also numerous nieces, nephews and other beloved family members.

He was preceded in death by his father, Archie Joseph Thomas; brothers, Walter Thomas and Richard Lloyd Thomas; and sister and brother-in-law, Lazette and Leo Brumfield.

Visitation was at Bible Baptist Church, located at 29567 Highway 424 in Franklinton, on Tuesday, Dec. 18, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. A funeral service was held in the church at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18, with Rev. Harold Gaddy officiating. Entombment followed in the Thomas Mausoleum.

The family wishes to express a sincere thank you to Martha Phillips for her loving care and support through the years.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial donations to the Franklinton Association for Challenged Citizens (2008 Main St., Franklinton, LA 70438).

Pallbearers were Brent Brumfield, Brian Brumfield, Jeremy Lee, John William Hartzog, Travis Taylor and Parker White. Honorary pallbearers were Gaylon Thomas, Timothy Lloyd Thomas and Michael Stogner.

Obituaries can be viewed online at www.crainfh.com.