Jay Willis Thomas, 70, former Wellington, Texas resident, passed away on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Altus, Okla.
Jay was born on Jan. 3, 1954, in Wellington. He grew up in Wellington and graduated from high school there. Jay went on to serve in the Texas Army National Guard for 15 years. During that time, he served a tour in Honduras and attained the rank of Sergeant. Jay worked for Bronco Seed in Wellington and as a fence builder for many years before finally settling down. Jay was a hardworking man who was passionate about the work he did. Jay was a great athlete in high school. In his earlier adult years, he played as an outfielder for “The Players” softball traveling team for a number of seasons. Jay was the type of person that, if you knew him, you knew him by nicknames, such as “Cowboy”, “Feet” and “Festus.” Jay was a member of the Church of Christ and cherished his time spent with family.
He was preceded in death by his son, Jay, Jr.; grandchildren Adrian, Carter and Deondr’e; his brothers, Patrick Nash, Maynard Thomas, Leavis Culpepper, Jesse Culpepper, Jr. and Richard Wayne Culpepper; and sisters Paula Nash, Immogene Mallory and Helen Clara Culpepper.
Survivors include his mother, Ruby Lee Nash; ex-wife Doris Thomas; children Ruby Johnson, Kevin Thomas, Lamar Thomas, Terry Pennon and Reggie Sterling; a stepdaughter, Shaziya Thomas; grandchildren Jacquis, Breanna, Kobe, Xavaih, Taneaha, Kenlee, Kailee, Stephon, Nevaeh, Major, Nahlya, Alyssa and Grace; one great-grandchild, Khalil’e; siblings Ed Thomas and wife Charlene, Mike Thomas and wife Touna, Darrell Thomas, Rodney Bishop, Johnny Nash, Curtis Nash, Carter Nash and wife,Lupe, Juda Nation, Jana Nash, Pamela Sherel and husband Frank, Ella Roland, Jessie Mays, Carrie Louise Shannon, Calvin Culpepper, James Culpepper, Larry Culpepper, Deborah Culpepper and Kevin Culpepper; an aunt, Bobbie Shrubs; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 30, 2024, in the Lowell-Tims Funeral Home Chapel with Shawn Davis officiating. Burial followed in the North Fairview Cemetery in Wellington, under the care of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
