of Bellefonte, AR
June 11, 1918 - March 26, 2017
On Sunday, March 26 (2017) a hero of the faith left earth for his heavenly home. Harley C. Thomason, 98, of Bellefonte, passed peacefully in his home. Harley was a hero to his family, his community and his country.
Harley was born June, 11, 1918, in Eros, and during his early childhood days, traveled to Oklahoma in a covered wagon with his parents, George Thomason and Eliza Elizabeth Casey Thomason, and five brothers, who preceded him in death. After being afflicted with typhoid fever in Oklahoma, his family moved back to Arkansas after the passing of his mother.
Upon reaching legal age, Harley was the first Boone County resident drafted into World War II. He served his country in the Pacific Theater, serving under General Douglas MacArthur. He received a Bronze Star along with a Purple Heart while serving in the Philippines near Lezon. At the conclusion of his service, he received a Good Conduct Medal, an Asia Pacific Theatre Ribbon with two Bronze Service Stars, and one Bronze Arrowhead. During his service during the war, he married his wife, Ruby Maybelle Gray Thomason. She survives him after 73 years of marriage.
Upon his retirement from the Arkansas Highway Department, Harley turned his attention to civic responsibilities. He served the city of Bellefonte for 32 years as a councilman. Harley had a competitive spirit. He had a desire to excel in any competition. He participated in the Senior Olympics and won more than 100 medals. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, and gardening. He was a mall walker and part of the McDonald's Coffee Club.
Harley was a member of only one church in his lifetime - First Baptist Church of Bellefonte. He served as Sunday school superintendent, Sunday school teacher, and deacon. He inspired his family spiritually and academically.
He was preceded in death by one son-in-law, Bob Williams, and five brothers, Arthur, Albert, Donley, Alvin and Archie. He is survived by his wife, Ruby Thomason, of the home; one son, Jerry Thomason and wife Janet, of Valley Springs; five daughters, Freda Williams of Bellefonte, Virginia Hirayama and husband Gene of Fair Grove, Missouri, Kathy Martin and husband Johnny of Nail, Judy Sullins and husband Rodney of Valley Springs, and Rebecca Brasel and husband Jeff of Valley Springs; 14 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
Services were Thursday, March 30, (2017), at First Baptist Church of Bellefonte, with Pastor Marvin Emmons officiating, under the direction of Roller-Christeson Funeral Home. Visitation was Wednesday, March 29, 2017, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home. Burial was at Maplewood Cemetery.
Grandchildren served as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers included members of First Baptist Church of Bellefonte.
Memorials can be made to Legacy Hospice, 702 N. Main Street, Harrison, AR 72601 or First Baptist Church of Bellefonte, 10 Garrett Street, Harrison, AR 72601.
I am so sorry that I was out of town and unable to attend Harley's service. He was a wonderful, sweet man and he will be missed by many people Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you, but especially Ms. Ruby.
Jerry - My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your whole family in hearing about the passing of your dad.
I am so sorry for your loss and apologize fo r being unable to be present to share in your families celebration of such a great man's life. I just finished watching the online video. So many captured, wonderful memories for your family to cherish. Treasure the long journey he spent shaping each of your lives.
Sorry for your loss! Praying for peace and comfort.
To the family of Harley Thomason: You have our sympathy. You are in our prayers during this hard time.
Keeping you all in my Prayers
You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God provide comfort and strength for you all in the upcoming days and weeks.
Our prayers are with you.
Harley Thomason was a "light of God." His love for his Lord shone in everything he did. He and Ruby were my Sunday School teachers at one time or another as I was raised in the Bellefonte Baptist Church and married there in1969. Kathy and I graduated Valley Springs together. What a wonderful, loving family. God truly blessed them!! He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered.
I love yall I'm so very sorry lord wrap aunt ruby in your arms lord keep the family safe love yall RIP UNCLE HARLEY
May God wrap his comforting arms around this family ! We love you and are with you in your time of mourning!
Uncle Harley touched so many people by living his life for God. There's not a lot of people who can claim that, sadly. His love of God, Family and Country showed in every conversation with him. I know that we will see him again someday and that is what he lived his life for: that we would be there with God. What a great example to his family and friends. I love you Uncle Harley and you will be missed. Love ya, Tinker
Served with Mr. Harley on the City council and is how I got to know him. He was always a happy man with a smile to share. Prayers to the family.
Praying for peace and comfort for all of you. You were blessed to have such a role model. I'm sure God greeted Harley with, Well done thou good and faithful servant. He and Ruby have been an inspiration to all of us. He will be missed.
I will always cherish our time with you growing up!! You talked about my Daddy whom was your army buddy & I didn't get to know!! I will meet you one day soon on GODS shores! I love you Uncle Harley
My thoughts and prayers are with all the family , may God give each and everyone comfort and peace during these hard times and the days ahead . What a great life that Harley lived . He is soaring like a eagle now , no pain or sorrow. RIP Harley. I've known him and his sweet family my whole life. Again I'm very sorry with Harley's passing. Sincerely yours
Melissa Lowery Neeley
What a victory of a life he led and the example he set for generations is amazing! You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
May God bless you all.
Dear Aunt Ruby and family I'm sorry for Uncle Harley's passing. He's home with his Father in heaven. He was a wonderful Christian man a husband a father grandfather and uncle and so much more he will be sadly missed at all of our occasions . R.I.P. Uncle Harley. Love to all. Frances
He was reading the Christmas story and the Holy Spirit filled the room. This was the one time I met Harley Thomason; but I recall it often. A life lived for Christ is a life remembered. The heavens rejoice to welcome him back, and we who remain hope for eternity with such a man.
"That person is like a tree planted by streams of water. . .which yields its fruit in season---whatever they do prospers." Psalms 1:3
Thinking of all the family in this difficult time . Lifting all the family up in prayer for comfort and peace.
Thinking of all the family in this difficult time . Lifting all the family up in prayer for comfort and peace.
Dear Aunt Ruby and cousins, We are so sorry to hear about Uncle Harley's passing. He was a great Christian Man who leaves a great Legacy for us all. We plan to be there with you all at this very difficult time . We Love you all so much.
So sorry to hear about your loss. He was a great man and we always loved seeing him at the NAC games! Thinking of you guys!
I didn't know Harley very long at all but what I did know of him was that he was a very proud grandfather & father. He was very sweet and loving, gentle and kind. My husband & I express our deepest sympathies to all of Harley's friends & beloved family members.
Lifting up your family in prayer from our family