Obituary

Wendell F. Thomas

February 27, 1940 - July 22, 2025

Wendell F. Thomas, age 85 and a resident of the Pine Community, passed away Tuesday afternoon July 22, 2025 at Good Samaritan Living Center. He was a longtime active member of Pine First Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and also greeted and welcomed his church family for many years, as they arrived for services. Wendell worked as a cross-country truck driver for several different companies during the years hauling all types of loads to every corner of the country. After retiring from the road, he worked at both Pine Hardware and Ace Hardware in Franklinton for a time. Wendell also served as a substitute bus driver for both the Pine and Franklinton schools and he also delivered The Era-Leader newspapers from the printer back to Franklinton. Wendell enjoyed planting a nice garden every year, mowing his grass and taking care of his yard. He also enjoyed woodworking, making many tables, boxes and chests that he shared with his family and friends. Wendell loved watching his children and grandchildren play the sports they loved. He always liked to spend time with his family and watch all the young ones play and have fun.

Survived by: Wife of 67 years: Jeanette Magee Thomas of Pine; Daughter and Son in law: Janet and Sonny Harper of Jonesboro, LA; Daughter in law: Donna Thomas of Pine; 7 Grandchildren and Spouses; 21 Beloved Great-grandchildren; Brother and Sister in law: Tommy and Pam Thomas of the Lawrence Creek Community; Sister: Kaye Thomas Nelson of Thomas; Brothers in law and Sisters in law: Eld. Richard and Sharon Magee, Ted and Sandra Magee, Rita Magee all of Lawrence Creek, Diane and Paul Shelton of Baton Rouge; Also numerous nieces, nephews and cousins

He was preceded in death by his sons Billy Thomas, Barry Thomas, parents Melvin Thomas and Melvaline Kennedy Thomas, sister and brother in law Ettie Sue and Hal Spence, brother in law Johnny Nelson, father in law and mother in law Johnnie and Wanzie Magee, brother in law Donald Wayne Magee, brother in law and sister in law Lavoy and Bobbie Magee and other extended family members.

Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home Saturday July 26th from 9:00 am until 11:00 am. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 11:00 am Saturday with Rev. David Easterling and Eld. Richard Magee officiating. Burial will follow in the Pine First Baptist Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Austin Thomas, Landon Thomas, Ron Thomas, Bryson Thomas, Trey Chauvin, James Fuller

Honorary Pallbearers: Tommy Thomas, Sonny Harper, Ted Magee, Nicholas Chauvin, Noah Fuller, Jerry Nelson