Homer Bennett “Ben” Thomas, Jr., 69, of Merryville, Louisiana, passed away on July 22, 2021, from complications of Covid-19. There are no adequate words to describe what he meant to his family and friends. He leaves behind a lasting legacy that we can all strive to attain because of the lessons he taught us while on Earth.

“Dear Heavenly Father, thank you…” Those that knew Ben recognize these words because if you spent any time with him, he would eventually lead you in prayer and begin almost every prayer with thanks. He was thankful to God for sending his Son to be our Savior. He was thankful for the blessings given to him in the form of his family, friends, and Blue Bell depending on the meal. No matter what was going on in his life, he always said he was “blessed more than he could stand.”

Ben lived each day serving the Lord in every aspect of his life, whether at his job with International Paper, his local community, or at Green Oak Baptist Church where he was a long-term member. He read his Bible faithfully and carried the lessons he learned to teach others about the Lord. He never missed an opportunity to share his testimony because he wanted anyone and everyone he met to know about the redeeming grace of Jesus Christ. His testimony and loving counsel changed countless lives for the better. Ben gave his time, money and energy to help anyone in need and he did so with no expectation of return. He genuinely loved helping people. His life touched and intersected with thousands of others. Ben was a good friend.

Ben was born in Orange, Texas on September 8, 1951. He was the son of Homer Bennett Thomas, Sr. and Margaret (Poland) Thomas. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Doris “Dot” Sims. He is survived by his children, Taffy Doty and husband Dusty of Mineral Wells, TX and Kandi Thomas and partner Phillip Brent of Lumberton, TX; his grandchildren, Evyn Doty, Autumn Doty, and Jack Doty; his sisters, Margaret “Sis” Mazzola of Merryville, LA, and Anita Langhorne of Leesville, LA; along with his numerous nieces and nephews. Those that knew Ben knew he loved his family and that they loved him. It was hard to see Ben and at some point, not be shown a picture of his family.

“Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for blessing us with Ben. He was our Dad, our Pawpaw, our friend and our rock. He loved you and us so much, and we loved him. We know that he is with you now, happy for eternity. We ask that you continue to remind us of the lessons he taught us and help us in our day-to-day lives until we get to see him again. We give you all the praise, honor and glory for its in your name we pray. Amen.”

Because of the risks of Covid-19, the family will be conducting a private service. However, the service will be broadcast live via Facebook for more visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/benthomasmemorial on Saturday, July 31, 2021, at 10:30am. Because we cannot gather to share our memories together, the family has set up an email address to be used to share remembrances, condolences and the many life stories his friends and family may have. Please email any thoughts you wish to share with the family to BenThomasMemorial@gmail.com . In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Green Oak Baptist Church at 4976 LA-389, Merryville Louisiana 70653 or calling in at 337-825-8760.