Ray Earl Thomas, Sr. passed away at his home on Friday, November 24, 2023. He had just celebrated his 92nd birthday. Ray is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joanna Van Dew Thomas. Together they were blessed with four sons, Ray Earl Jr (Alison), John Rance (Valerie), Bruce E. Sr (Julie) and Dan (Carrie) Thomas all of Bell. Eleven grandchildren, Bruce Jr (Ginger), Raychel, Branden (Alyssa), Selena(Jose), Jaycee, Jared, Bryn, Savana, Ashlee, Alaina and Rett. And his final blessings of three great grandchildren, Westen, Marianna and Bruce the third.

Ray was born to the late Lewis Rance and Harriette Ann (Parrish) Thomas on November 18, 1931 at the family farm. Along with his siblings, their family farmed in North Gilchrist for many years. Ray was a graduate of Bell High School, Lake City Community College and earned his Bachelors and Master's Degrees from the University of Florida while raising his four sons and working full time. Ray was also a proud Veteran of the United States Army. He taught school in Dixie County for many years serving as the Agriculture Teacher, FFA Advisor and then as the Director of Vocational Education for Dixie County. He also taught Dixie Veterans through the GI Bill in night classes. He loved his time spent in Dixie County and considered those folks to be among the finest he knew.

Not long after, he decided to run for Superintendent of Schools in his home county of Gilchrist. Upon election, he served the students, educators and support staff for eight years. He was a firm and honest Superintendent that focused on the best for every student. Most days you could see him eating lunch in one of the school's cafeterias in Bell or Trenton.

After his tenure as Superintendent, he returned to his family farm to work alongside his two brothers and his sons. Days were long but those were his favorite years. Working cows, baling hay, marking off rows for melons. Bottom plowing, harvesting grass seed and being the best watermelon picker around. He trained many a young man in the art of selecting the perfect melon.

God always blessed him and his family and Ray was more than thankful and knew how blessed he was. He never failed to honor God in his daily walk be it in the classroom, in an office, on a tractor, at the dinner table or in a sanctuary.

Ray loved his wife Joanna like no other. He rarely told her no and he was so thankful for everything she did as his gift to him from God. He was also so proud of his four sons. He was firm, honest, disciplined and as good as his word where Ray Earl, John Rance, Bruce and Dan were concerned. He taught them how to work without complaint, stand behind their word, defend each other and stick together and love their spouse unconditionally.

In 1995 God began to bless him even more with the birth of his first grandchild. Soon the one became four and so on to a total of eleven. And then topped off with three great grandchildren. He was able to enjoy each and everyone until his last day. He would always pray and thank God for his many, many, many blessings.

Ray Earl Thomas, Sr. has left behind a life's witness and a legacy of integrity, faithfulness, honesty, hard work, forgiveness and love. He was a man among men and is already missed tremendously by those who loved him most. The family is comforted in knowing he is in heaven, reunited with his loved ones and friends. God blessed him with being born on his family's farm and passing from this earth at home on his family farm.

He was preceded in death by his brothers:  Leilon, Loyd and Lewis Thomas. As well as his sisters, Velma Cain, Loiselle Bailey and Iva Lou Fletcher. He is survived by his two remaining sisters, Wilma Hall and Yvonne Demember.

Arrangements are under the care of Daniels Funeral Home, Branford, Florida. Visitation will be held at 1:00 pm, Monday, November 27, 2023 at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church with funeral following at 2:00pm. Interment will be at Townsend Cemetery, Bell, Florida.