Billy Joe Thomas

Billy Joe Thomas departed this life on Sunday, May 15, 2016, at the age of 88 years, 6 months, 28 days. He was born in Hardin County, Tennessee on October 17, 1927, the son of the late O.O. and Mary Frankie Barker Thomas. On April 29, 1960, he was united in marriage to Shirley Hulin, who survives.

Billy Joe served in the United States Air Force. During his time of service he spent four years on an aircraft carrier during the Korean War. He had worked and traveled with T.V.A., worked at Bellafonte Nuclear Plant, Brown's Ferry Nuclear Plant, and at Yellow Creek Nuclear Plant. He was later self-employed as a heavy equipment operator with Thomas Construction.

Billy Joe was a member of the Savannah Church of Christ, VFW where he served as the former Commander, former Election Commission officer for Hardin County, and a lifetime member of Woodmen of the World. He loved fishing and being with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Shirley Thomas of Savannah, Tennessee; daughters, Lois Ann Seaton and her husband, Nicky of Savannah, Tennessee and Mary Jo Wilson and her husband, Keith of Jackson, Tennessee; grandchildren, Whit Thomas Seaton, Allie Ann Seaton, Tanner Katherine Wilson, and Reid Thomas Wilson; sister, Mary Julia Adkisson.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers, Jack and Bob Thomas.