Charles Wesley Thomas was born December 17, 1942, in Kemper County Mississippi to the late Tom Coleman and Irene Boyd Thomas. He graduated from Kemper County Agricultural High School in Scooba, MS in May 1960. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.
Charles honorably served his country aboard the USS Midway, USS Saratoga, USS Forrestal, and USS Independence. His service commitment included the Bay of Pigs and the first Vietnam Conflict. He retired in 1980 as a U.S. Navy Chief after more than 20 years of service. After retirement, Charles continued to work another 20 years at the Meridian Naval Air Station in Meridian, MS while residing in Louisville, MS. He was a member of the American Legion and Fleet Reserve Association.
Charles accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at the age of 36 and was a member of the Ellison Ridge Baptist Church. He also served as a member of the Sardis Baptist Church Grounds Committee. He is preceded in death by his father Tom Coleman Thomas, his mother Irene Boyd Thomas, sister Margaret Ann Thomas, and his brother Robert Thomas.
Charles is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Glenda Thomas; his son Charles “Terry” Thomas and wife Cheryl of Cabot AR; daughter Teresa and husband Gregory Duke of Clinton, MS; and daughter Tamara and husband Berje Yacoubian of Columbia, SC. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren; Brandy Fuller, Katelyn Ainsworth, Matthew Meyer, Jordon Oswald, Sarah Duke, William Duke, Ashley Duke, Caleb Yacoubian and Regan Yacoubian and six great grandchildren; Ethan Thomas, Jaycee Fuller, Zoe Ainsworth, Gracyn Fuller, and Andrew and Henry Oswald. Additionally, Charles is survived by his loving sisters; June Boykin of Macon, MS, Betty Miller of Biloxi, MS, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Serving as pallbearers are Bubba Boykin, Eric Bullard, Thomas Ferguson, James Hollis, Kevin Robertson, Eddie Thomas, Kenny White, and Richard White. Members of the Combat Vets Motorcycle Association Chapter 7-1 are serving as honorary pallbearers. Memorial contributions in honor of Mr. Thomas may be given to Sardis Church Cemetery, 215 Thomas Road, Louisville, MS 39339.
Services are under the direction of Nowell-Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.nowellmasseyfuneralhome.com.
