Corsicana - Raymond Thomas passed away July 31, 2023, at the age of 86.

Raymond was born February 7, 1937 to Hyram and Willie Vandergriff Thomas in Corsicana. Growing up with his siblings Roberta Miles and Billy Dean Thomas, Raymond attended Corsicana High School.

A pragmatic and straight-forward man, after high school Raymond was recruited from Corsicana by the Navy, where he spent the next twenty years. Serving in both Korea and Vietnam, he was an electrician in the Navy. Post military service, he attended Navarro College and received his degree in education from East Texas State University. He worked for a while as a security guard, and then as an occupational therapist for children with disabilities for the state of Texas.

Raymond met his wife Saundra on a blind date in southern California in 1958. They were married in 1959 in Corsicana, and were blessed with four children. With his deep love of family, he was proud to become a father and grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with his grandkids. Although his realistic nature could cause him to be hard-headed at times, Raymond was also very kind.

In his free time, Raymond was an avid gun collector. He enjoyed football, boxing, horse racing, and fishing. He enjoyed traveling to visit friends in Arizona, along with touring Big Bend National Park. He also loved his day trips to Louisiana Downs for the races. He liked doing crosswords and loved his coffee.

Raymond leaves behind his wife, Saundra Maxine Thomas; his son and daughter-in-law Michael and Ezam Thomas and their children Sara and Ryan Thomas; his son Patrick Thomas and his children Emerson Ray and Drake Vallon Thomas; his son Bill Thomas and his wife Donna Thomas; and his daughter and son-in-law Teka and Sean Byrnes and their children Isabel and Raymond Byrnes.

In order to honor Raymond's life, a memorial service will be held on Friday, August 4, 2023 at 3 o'clock in the afternoon in the Magnolia Chapel at Corley Funeral Home, with Pastor Daniel Harper officiating.