Obituary

Corey Devin Thomas

November 26, 1977 - September 26, 2024

Corey Devin Thomas, age 46 and a resident of the Dexter, Mississippi Community, passed away Thursday morning September 26, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was a graduate of Columbia Academy, Class of 1996, where he played for the Cougars football team and won a State Championship his senior year with the Cougars baseball team. Corey worked off-shore as a crane operator for Ensco for a few years then began a long career with CN Railroad. During his 19 years of service, Corey worked as a crane operator with the bridge department and more recently served with the track and rail crew, among the many duties he performed through the years. Corey loved his work and especially the countless co-workers he served with across the country, including those in his current territory from Jackson, MS to Mobile, AL.

Corey’s love of sports lasted his whole life. He was an avid Ole Miss fan and played Men’s softball for many years with his buddies on the White Lightning and Turtle Heads teams. He also coached youth league baseball for a time. Corey earned the nickname “Chicken Man” during high school and it followed him the rest of his life, certainly on the railroads, ball fields and every hunting and fishing trip. He went on many successful deer and duck hunting trips in Kentucky, Illinois, Iowa and other areas. Corey also enjoyed fishing along the Pearl River, including a recent special time with his father and son that created lasting memories. He enjoyed working outdoors on his property taking care of his cows and chickens, tending his flower gardens and even the new hobby of bee-keeping. Corey accepted the Lord as his Savior as a young man at Carson Springs Baptist Church and attended New Stateline Missionary Baptist Church. He always kept Christ first in his life decisions. Corey adored his wife and children and cherished every moment they spent together. He will be forever missed by all that knew him.

He is survived by: Wife: Heather Holmes Thomas of Dexter; Children: Hunter Devin Thomas, Ana Cathryn Thomas; Parents: Kelvin Thomas and Mary Copeland Thomas of Sandy Hook, MS; Brother: Christopher Heath Thomas; Grandmothers: Leadette Thomas, Eula Mae Copeland; Mother in law: Sonja and Nick Nichols; Father in law: Ray Baham; Grandparents in law: Lloyd and Waver Ball; Sister in law: Hollie and Cody Clement; Nieces and Nephews: Ronna, Ramona, Rayna, Cole, Chasen Cash; Also 3 great-nieces, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many dear friends

He was preceded in death by grandfathers Dannie Thomas, Johnnie R. Copeland, grandparents in law Cecil and Lillian Ball and other extended family members.

Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home (1109 Bene Street, Franklinton) on Saturday October 5th from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Visitation will continue Sunday at Carson Springs Baptist Church (10 Thad Road, Sandy Hook, MS) from 12:30 pm until 2:00 pm. A funeral service will be held in the church at 2:00 pm Sunday with Eld. Darren Uzell and Eld. Duane Ball officiating. A eulogy will be provided by good friend Corey McCain with special music presented by The Lawrence Creek Boys. In keeping with Corey’s unwavering fandom for the Ole Miss Rebels, all those attending the services on Sunday are asked to wear Red or Blue.

Pallbearers: Hunter Thomas, Shane Ball, Trent Ball, Ryan Speights, Jake Boyd, Dabo Granger

Honorary Pallbearers: Jace Ball, Brad Oestriecher, Thad Thomas and his many friends and co-workers at CN Railroad