Devon Thomas

Devon Thomas, age 84, went to be with his Lord and Savior Saturday, July 28, 2018 surrounded by his family. Prior to his passing, eloquent monikers could be attached to this patriarch of our family: Husband, Daddy, Paw Paw, sailor, mechanic, and woodsman. However, what is in a name? Devon epitomized a true leader servant of his Savior, nation, and family.   As a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church, Devon had the honor to serve his Lord and Savior as a deacon for the past 50 years. As a registered Democrat, Devon answered the call to lead our county as a District 5 Supervisor for 10 years. As a high school graduate of the 1953 class of Noxapater High School, Devon furthered his education at Nashville Auto Diesel trade school. In addition to these duties, Devon worked for Taylor Machine Works for 12 years as a machinist and for 42 years he owned and operated Stallo Woodyard. Hard work was a friend to Devon, and it was his life’s hobby.   As a citizen of the United States of America, he was proud to wear the uniform of The United States Navy during the Korean War. He was assigned as a Gunner’s Mate and Baker on the destroyer - USS Samuel N. Moore - and later stationed in Adak, Alaska. He was proud to say that he had one son, Randy, who currently honorably serves as a 1st Sergeant in the Mississippi Army National Guard and formally served as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corp, one son, Doug, who served in the United States Marine Corp, one grandson, Bradley, who is serving as a Staff Sargent in the United States Army and a final grandson, Jake, who is a First Lieutenant for the United States Air Force. All of these men are proud to carry the mantle of service as they learned it from their Father and Grandfather.   Devon was born to the late Thomas Hawkim and Myrtis Arlene Thomas in Noxapater, MS on May 11, 1934 and was preceded in death by one brother Adam Uvon Thomas. Asa Thomas (Mary Ruth Holton Thomas), Charles Thomas (late Peggy Parker Thomas), and J.W. Thomas (late Marilyn Chambers Thomas and Juen Richardson) will miss their oldest brother. Seldom does a man meet his soulmate early in life, but for Devon, Ivor Jean (Maxey) Thomas was just that for 62 years. Their union produced three sons: Randy (Tammy), Doug (Tammy) and Chris (Lisa). Those sons blessed Devon and Jean their greatest treasures – their grandchildren – Jake (Ashley), Tiffany (Adam), Bradley (Shelby), Cassie (Tyler), Zack, Daniel, Harley and one great granddaughter – Joy.   One unknown author states, “Success isn't just about what you accomplish in your life; it's about what you inspire others to do." Devon’s death is not the end, but the beginning of his inspiration to so many.   Sleep well; we’ll take it from here. – Your family   Visitation will be held Monday, July 30, 2018 5 – 8 pm at Oak Grove Baptist Church. Services will be held Tuesday, at 11 am at Oak Grove Baptist Church, with Rev. Gary Caudill and Rev. Jimmy Collins officiating. Burial will proceed immediately after in the Oak Grove Baptist Church cemetery.   Pallbearers will be Bradley Thomas, Zack Thomas, Daniel Thomas, Adam Byrd, Tyler Wells, and Jerry Thomas. Honorary pallbearer will be Jake Thomas, who is currently serving overseas.   Memorials may be made to the Oak Grove Cemetery Fund.   To sign the online guest register, please visit www.porterfuneralhome.net