Benny J. "BJ" Thomas

Benny J. "BJ" Thomas, 81, of Blytheville, passed from this life Tuesday, April 15 at the Flo and Phil Hospice House in Jonesboro.

Born to Arthur and Ella Curtis Thomas in Steele, BJ was a retired Civil Service fireman at Eaker Air Force Base. He also retired from the U.S. Air Force after serving for 30 years. BJ was a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge. He was a 32nd degree mason. He was a member of the Eastern Star and Scottish Rite. BJ was a member of Number Nine Baptist Church.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Rebecca Thomas; and three sisters, Barbara Holt, Fay Berchard and Betty Moore.

BJ is survived by his wife, Patricia "Pat" Hammond Thomas of Blytheville;

Three children, Danny Thomas of Austin, Texas, Ernie Prado of Blytheville, Philip Prado of Blytheville and Johna Babich of Clay Pool, Arizona;

One brother, Gary A. Thomas of Paragould;

Two sisters, Lois Greer of Caruthersville and Linda Toller of Johnson City, Tennessee; and

Nineteen grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Monday at Cobb Funeral Home with the Rev. Charles Hurley officiating. Burial will follow at Linwood Cemetery in Paragould. The family will receive friends from noon until service time.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.