Dr. Jesse Thomas

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Service Schedule
Graveside Service
Crestlawn Memorial Park
Conway, AR  
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
10:00AM
Memorial Contributions
Jesse Thomas Endowed Scholarship at Central Baptist College
1501 College Ave
Conway, AR  72034


St Jude Children's Hospital
501 St Jude Place
Memphis, TN  38105
Dr. Jesse Thomas

of Conway, AR

July 27, 1936 - July 3, 2020

Dr. Jesse Thomas, 83, of Conway, AR. went to be with the Lord Friday July 3, 2020. He was born July 27, 1936, in Gravelly, AR, to Jessie and Grace Thomas.

Dr. Thomas was a Public School Teacher for 9 years and a member of East Side Baptist Church. Dr. Thomas joined the faculty of Central Baptist College in 1969 where he served as Chair of the Bible Department for 21 years. He also served as an Assessment Officer and was VP for Academic Affairs. Dr. Thomas was a Professor of Science and Bible at CBC for 46 years. He earned an AA degree from Central Bible College, BSE degree in Biology from UCA, MSE degree in Biology from UCA, MS in Biblical Studies from Covenant Theological Seminary and a Doctorate of Ministry from Drew University.

Dr. Thomas has been a minister for 65 years. He has Pastored 13 churches; 12 in Arkansas and 1 in St Louis, MO.
Jesse was preceded in death by brothers, Hughey Thomas and Joe Thomas, and his parents.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 63 years, Betty McCoy Thomas, sons, Gary Wade (Dixie) Thomas and David Mark (Mark) Thomas, daughter, Julie Ann Thomas, grandchildren, Matthew (Margaret) Thomas, Kevin (Laura) Thomas, Brian (Kellye) Thomas, Garrison (Elisabeth) Thomas, Jessica (Adam) Leggett, Daniel (Kyrene) Thomas, Sarah Katherine Thomas; great grandchildren, Gabrielle Thomas, Watson Thomas, Clark Thomas, Atticus Thomas, Gregory Thomas, Collin Thomas, Darby Thomas and Arthur Thomas. He is also survived by his brother Clifton Thomas and many cherished friends and relatives.

A Graveside service will be held Wednesday July 8, 2020 at 10:00AM at Crestlawn Memorial Park, with social distancing required. A Memorial Service is being planned for a later date.

Dr. Thomas will lie in state at Roller McNutt Funeral Home, Conway, AR on Tuesday, July 7, 2020 from 8AM to 9PM

In lieu of flowers, the family requests remembrances be made in the form of contributions in his honor to:

Jesse Thomas Endowed Scholarship at Central Baptist College
1501 College Ave
Conway, AR 72034
or
St. Jude Children's Hospital
501 St Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105


Sign Guestbook

28 Condolence(s)
Fred Boling
Jonesboro, AR
Liked
Saturday, January 15, 2022

baby sure did love brother Jesse and you and your family during our term your term at our church in Dixie Trinity Baptist and thank you for being our friends while you were there you were such a nice young preacher and we loved your family very much didn't know that he had passed away or I'd have been right there to see him for the last time before I go to meet him in heaven thanks for everything l

Gwenda Williams
Damascus, AR
Liked
Thursday, July 9, 2020

I first met Dr. Thomas when I attended CBC in 1982. He was one of my Bible professors. When I really became acquainted with him was when I was the Bookstore Manager at CBC. He would stop by and chat with me about Daniel and whether or not he was working on restoring any old tractors. He would ask about our children, and also tell me about having to wash dishes at home to keep Betty from abusing him. I knew he was kidding. He spoke highly of his family every time we talked. I was so impressed when he told me that he loved to cross-stitch! One day in the Bookstore, he was browsing through the greeting cards that were on display. He told me that one day he and Betty were shopping in WalMart and he showed her a lovely card and commented that if he would have had any money, he would buy it for her! He then gave me a big smile and a little laugh. I think of that every time I buy a greeting card. He was a very delightful man of God who radiated love and joy to those around him. Daniel and I are praying for you.

Ron Owens
Fairburn, GA
Liked
Wednesday, July 8, 2020

So sorry for the loss of your Dad. Having lost both of my parents I understand the void when you cannot reach out to that so important loved one in your life. Our prayers are with you and I hope you find comfort in the fact that the memory of your Dad will never die.

Ron

Leslie Shofner
Damascus, AR
Liked
Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Dear Thomas Family,
It is with fond memories I remember Bro Jesse. One of which he sang a special for chapel "One Day". I have loved it ever since and always think of him singing it. Now his final "ONE Day" has come. I know he's enjoying his new home. Love to you all. Leslie (Betts) Shofner

Gary hughes
Caldwell, AR
Liked
Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Dr Thomas was a special man of god ... dedicated to education ...of the many that passed thru CBC... it was truly an honor to know him ... it was also a blessing to be a friend to gary and julie while attending CBC

Donna Doggett
Benton, AR
Liked
Tuesday, July 7, 2020

I remember Bro Thomas just as the picture. He was always a great man. I was lucky to his neighbor and he was my pastor at Old Liberty out of Conway, Ar. He will be missed.

Joe Goss
Conway, AR
Liked
Monday, July 6, 2020

Brother Jesse was a man of God. At home, at work or in the field he was always reaching out. I never met someone who was so constant in his life.
When I saw him, before I had my stroke, he would reach out for more information and help. He was always loving and kind. God bless Betty, Gary, Julie and Mark. May God always keep you safe. Much love...

Jerry and Janis Robbins
Greenbrier, AR
Liked
Monday, July 6, 2020

Jerry and I are neighbors on North Cadron Drive, wish we could have spent more times visiting and getting to know you and your families. We are praying for all of you, knowing your loss is so real. But most importantly, you will be reunited with Dr. Jesse again. May you be comforted with that promise.

Annette (Robinson) Leach
ENOLA, AR
Liked
Monday, July 6, 2020

Dear Mrs. Betty, Gary, Julie and David,

I'm not sure where to start. Bro. Thomas holds such a very special place in my heart. He was kneeling right beside me when I asked Jesus into my life and a short time later he baptized me. He officiated my grandparent's funeral services and even more special to me, he officiated my daddy's service. I also had the privilege of having him as my professor at CBC when I went back to complete my degree.

My heart aches for you knowing how deeply he will be missed, but I rejoice knowing he is in heaven now - right where he wanted to be. He was a prime example of a "good and faithful servant".

My prayers are with you all today and in the days to come.

All my love to each of you,

Annette

Ms. Esther M. Kershner-Mitchell
Conway, AR
Liked
Monday, July 6, 2020

Brother Jesse is one of the kindest, gentlest, FINEST people I have EVER had the blessing to have in my life.
I shall, forever, treasure how he helped me when-several years AFTER high school graduation- I started school at CBC...
Thank you Bro. Jesse, thank you.
Ms. Betty, family: you also have been, are, shall always be, truly special to Lance and me.
I care...
Much love,
Ms. Esther

Lynn Robertson
Maumelle, AR
Liked
Monday, July 6, 2020

Hey Gary, I am so sorry to hear about Your Dad.. l loved Him, Admired, Respected, and wanted to be like Him so much. If l could have chosen My Father on this earth l would have chosen Him..l attended Central Baptist College 3 Years then transferred to Ouachita Baptist University, Then l went to Southwestern Baptist Theological to earn My Masters Degree, then in 2004 l went back to SWBTS to earn my D.ED. And of all the Professors l had DR. Thomas was my favorite. I can hear His voice right now singing Praises to Jesus, as Christ has said to Him
“Well Done My Good and Faithful Servant Enter Into the Joy of the Lord”.. ln this Picture DR. Thomas is sitting in His Cabin that He Built and Loved so much.. Now He is sitting in His Mansion in Heaven that He Built and will Love even more.. As busy as DR. Thomas was He was still always willing to to Serve, He had never met My Father but was Happy to Preach My Dad’s Funeral Service when l asked Him.
He had a Beautiful Voice, Family, Spirit, Soul, Life, Calling, and Biblical Knowledge and Insight..
I am going to miss drinking Coffee with Him at McDonalds and listening to His Stories, and Biblical Insight, and Oh Yeah, His Love for Old Trucks...
Serve and Worship and Praise in Peace
DR. Thomas..

Nick and Kathi Pavicevic
Hartland, WI
Liked
Monday, July 6, 2020

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Lance Hellwig
Florissant, MO
Liked
Monday, July 6, 2020

Remembering our pastor and friend. Dr. Thomas was our transition pastor at Chamber Park Baptist Church in St. Louis MO. He was a humble leader. Blessings, peace, and comfort to Betty, Gary, Julie, and David. You had a great husband and father. Your family gave us some precious memories.

David & Sherry Pearson
Memphis, TN
Liked
Monday, July 6, 2020

Deepest sympathy & prayers for all the THOMAS family.

Pastor Gary Henderson
Jonesboro, AR
Liked
Sunday, July 5, 2020

Prayers for your family

Mark & Teresa Ingram
BENTON, AR
Liked
Sunday, July 5, 2020

To Ms. Betty and Family.
Our sympathies to you for the separation that you now experience. Dr. Thomas' influence upon us will be for eternity. I rejoice that one day we will meet again. He was a picture of the meekness and humility of Jesus our Lord. I encourage you to cherish the memories and share them often. Praying for your comfort.

Sincerely,
Mark (Class of 2000) & Teresa Ingram

Scott and Rebecca McCurry
Sheridan, AR
Liked
Sunday, July 5, 2020

Dr. Thomas was a great man of God. We were both blessed to have him for several classes at CBC and got to hear him preach several times as well. He was always kind and quick witted. We are deeply sorry for your loss but rejoice at his homecoming in heaven.

Tammy McCollum
Greenbrier, AR
Liked
Sunday, July 5, 2020

Mrs. Betty and Family,
Our hearts are broken for your loss. Bro. Jesse was so loved by us and our girls. He was such a Godly example to all. The time we had together was so special. He always checked in on our girls and was so genuine in watching them grow spiritually. The time we shared at Friendship Baptist was some of the sweetest and most special in our family worship. Mrs. Betty, we love you and will forever cherish Bro. Jesse in our hearts.

Linda Atkinson
Greenbrier, AR
Liked
Sunday, July 5, 2020

I am so sorry for your loss. Bro. Jesse was one in three million. His wisdom, his voice, sense of humor, and love of everyone and everything is a model for how we all should live. His amazing love for Christ is being realized right now as he stands in the presence of that pure Love!!!! My love and prayers are with you all.

Bev King
Clarksville, AR
Liked
Sunday, July 5, 2020

My deepest condolences to the family and friends.

Tonette rodgers molinar
Oxford,
Liked
Sunday, July 5, 2020

Prayers for family great man servant for the lord

Beverly Taylor
Searcy, AR
Liked
Sunday, July 5, 2020

The Thomas family,
I was so sorry to hear about Bro. Thomas. It has been so many years since I have seen any of you, but I will never forget being your neighbors when all the kids were younger. Bruce thought so much of Gary that he wanted to buy him a car when he graduated high school. I will be praying for your comfort during this loss of your loved one. Bro. Thomas was so kind to us as all of you were.

Beverly Taylor

Rick and Melinda Reynolds
Greenbrier, AR
Liked
Sunday, July 5, 2020

Betty and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Bro. Thomas is enjoying all the things that he preached about for years. We will keep you in our prayers. We love you and your family.

David & Sherri Webb
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Sunday, July 5, 2020

Brother Thomas was a friend, a mentor, and a good man. I admired and respected him. He will be missed. My condolences to the family. We will meet him again in glory . David Webb, Pastor, Berean Baptist Church North Little Rock, AR.

Eddie and Nancy Lunsford Lane
Branson, MO
Liked
Sunday, July 5, 2020

So sorry to hear this. Nancy's family was very close friends with
Bro. Jessie Thomas. Love and prayers to all of the family.

Julian Dominquez
Conway, AR
Liked
Sunday, July 5, 2020

Dr Thomas will always hold a special place in the hearts of untold numbers of students who sat under his teaching, whether they ended up as a full time minister or a schoolteacher or stay at home mom.

Anita Davidson
Imboden, AR
Liked
Sunday, July 5, 2020

Sending prayers for God's comfort during this time of loss. Dr. Thomas will be greatly missed by many. I was fortunate to meet him and Mrs. Thomas through my brother, Cory McCaig.

Eddie Kelso
Greenbrier, AR
Liked
Sunday, July 5, 2020

Bro. Jesse was my professor at CBC and was a Godly man who loved the Lord. He was a humble man and always had a kind word. He will be greatly missed but we know he is with His Savior. Prayers for the family.