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Willie Faye Thomas passed away in his hometown of Bogalusa on Feb. 3, 2020, at the age of 79. He was born in Tylertown, Miss., on June 7, 1940.

He proudly served his country for four years in the U.S. Army. He was a retired millwright, a job that he loved. He was a loving family man and nothing brightened his day more than seeing his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Patricia Borel Thomas; two daughters and sons-in-law, Gina and Joe Miller of Kokomo, Miss., and Tina and Trampus Stewart of Thomas; his son and daughter-in-law, Chad and Linda Thomas of Sun; seven grandchildren, Kyle (Emily) Cochran, Jeremy (Martha) Thomas, Cannon (Emily) Thomas, Blaine Stewart, Hollie Miller, Heather Miller and Ryan Mizell; his great-grandchildren, Addisyn and Dawson Cochran, Lexi and Kenley Thomas, Brogan Mizell, Aubree Lee Stewart and her mother, Cassidy Perry; two brothers, Edward (Andrea) Thomas and Samuel (Cindy) Thomas; three sisters, Janice (Jack) Thomas, Hilda (Royce) Alford and Cassandra (Jeff) Hines; and two brothers-in-law, Buddy (Betty) Borel and Charles (Earline) Borel. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sampson and Edith Thomas, and two of his brothers, Alton and William Thomas.

Services celebrating his life will be held at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home & Crematory in Bogalusa. Visitation will be on Thursday, Feb. 6, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and then continuing on Friday, Feb. 7, at 9 a.m. until the service begins at 11 a.m. The Rev. David Easterling and Mr. Thomas’ nephew, Sam Thomas, will officiate. Interment will follow at Thomas Cemetery in Thomas.

Serving as pallbearers will be Kyle Cochran, Dawson Cochran, Blaine Stewart, Cannon Thomas, Jeremy Thomas, Chuck Borel, Johnny Crain Jr. and Brandon Penton.

Condolences may be shared on the Poole-Ritchie website at www.pooleritchiefuneralhome.com.