Robert Roger "Honky" "Bob" Thomas, age 88, passed from this life on Saturday, October 3, 2020, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.  He was born February 17, 1932 in Dierks, AR to Ross Hill and Jessie Mae Rogers Thomas.  Bob and his family moved to Beirne, AR when he was four years old. He loved to share memories of growing up with his two brothers, Albert Hill Thomas and Roger Wayne Thomas, and how many times they would awake to their mom bowed at their beds praying for her sons. Bob had endless stories of his days at Beirne and the many friendships made there. It was there at just four years old that he was affectionately given the nickname "Little Honky Tonk Bob" by Lem Bryant.  This was quickly shortened to Honky, and as we all know, it stuck with him for a lifetime.  His family moved to Gurdon when he was in the sixth grade where he would play football for his beloved Go-Devils and graduate in 1950.  After attending Henderson State, he joined the Air Force during the Korean War and proudly served his country for four years, two of which were in Japan.

After his years of service, he returned to Gurdon and began a couple of businesses including Honky's Drive-In and The Gurdon Cleaners, and bought his beloved farm. In the summer of '64 he walked into Browning's Jewelers and met the girl that he immediately knew he would marry.  A relationship quickly ensued and he and Mary Sue Wright, his bride of 55 years, were married in July 1965 at Berry Chapel on the campus of her alma mater, Ouachita Baptist University.  In the 70s, they welcomed two daughters who he affectionately referred to as "his boys".  He spent lots of time riding them around the farm and always teaching them one of his many, many favorite songs as they rode. This was the beginning of him sharing the good news of Jesus with his daughters, first through songs, then through many scriptures, Bible stories, and life experiences that he would share of what his God had done for him.  After teaching them to love Jesus, he taught them to CALL THE HOGS! He spent many hours "coaching" and STRONGLY encouraging the HOGS from his recliner(when he didn't have a seat in the stands). His family even joked a few hours after he passed from this life that, "He got to heaven just in time to plead his case for his beloved HOGS!" (as their football team earned their first SEC victory in 3 long years).

As proud as he was of his daughters, life held a whole new dimension for him as he began to be blessed with his grandchildren in the 90s.  He missed out on having daughters with his athleticism… but Oh how he enjoyed watching his 5 grandsons and granddaughter as they played ball and participated in other activities and did his best to never miss an event. He was quick to boast of their latest achievements to anyone he met. Bob also began to instill his faith and love for Jesus as he taught them scriptures, Bible stories, and many life lessons.  He also passed along his love for people, always having a joke, line, or tale to bring a smile or laughter to all he met.   Unfortunately, his love for the HOGS only carried over to his Arkansas grands, the Louisiana crew is still a work in progress, but he loved them fiercely anyway! In the last few years he was even blessed with two great granddaughters whom he loved and enjoyed very much.

Bob served his community and church in many capacities throughout his lifetime. He was mayor of Gurdon, and in that time was instrumental in bringing the Arkla Plywood Plant to Gurdon (currently known as Georgia Pacific).  Bob also served on the School Board in Gurdon for many years.  He was a faithful member of Beech Street Baptist Church for over 75 years where he served many years as a deacon, Sunday School director, and Sunday School teacher.  Bob rarely missed a chance to tell of his love for his Savior and how much HE had done for him—not just inside the walls of the church, but to complete strangers as well.  He truly lived out the Great Commission in the "world" God have him.

Professionally, Bob spent countless hours farming.  He loved the land he worked so hard for and enjoyed his time raising his family and laboring there.  Bob also worked for International Paper for many years and finished his career at Ouachita Baptist University where he served as a maintenance supervisor before returning home to farm full-time.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Sue Wright Thomas of the home.  Daughters, Allison Thomas Pepper(Rob) of Hot Springs Village, AR and Robin Thomas Mulford(Craig) of Shreveport, LA.  His grandchildren, Trey Pepper, J. Thomas Pepper, Cheston, Clay, and Cantley Mulford, and Shelton Cox(Adrianna).  Great grandchildren Adeline and AJ Cox.

A time of visitation will be held at 11:30am until 12:30 PM on Wednesday, October 7, 2020, at Beech Street Baptist Church in Gurdon.

A celebration of his life will follow at 1pm.

Interment will be at Rose Hedge Cemetery with military honors.

Serving as pallbearers are his 5 grandsons and nephews, Tom Thomas and Jeff Thomas.

Memorials may be made to Beech Street Baptist Church, 1305 E Main Street, Gurdon, AR 71743

Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia.  Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book.