Billy Ray Thomas, 83, of Henderson, Kentucky, passed away Tuesday, December 4, 2018, at St. Vincent of Evansville surrounded by his loving family.

Billy Ray was born November 29, 1935, in Morganfield, Kentucky, to the late William A. "Bill" and Dorothy V. Thomas.  He was a member of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church.  He was also co-owner of Butch and Billy's Diesel Service for 30 years.  Billy Ray was a U.S. Air Force veteran and a member of Knights of Columbus, Holy Name Men's Club, Henderson Elks Lodge, and Henderson Moose Lodge.  He was an avid UK Wildcat fan.

He was preceded in death by one daughter, Tina Thomas Underwood; his parents; one brother, Norman V. Thomas; and one grandson, Garrett Underwood.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Mary Jane Morris Thomas; two daughters, Tammy Hobson and her husband, Keith, of Henderson, Kentucky, and Tonya Senler and her husband, Seyhan, of Louisville, Kentucky; one sister, Golden Thomas Forrester of Henderson, Kentucky; one brother, George Robert Thomas and his wife, Carolyn, of Brandon, Florida; three grandchildren, Adam Hobson (Elizabeth), Amanda Fritz (Heath), and Taylan Senler; nieces and nephews.

Services will be at noon Monday at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church.  Father J. Edward Bradley and Father Larry McBride will officiate.  Burial will be in St. Louis Cemetery with full military rites performed by American Legion Worsham Post No. 40.

Visitation will be from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday and until 11 a.m. Monday at Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home where prayers will be said at 4 p.m. Sunday.

Pallbearers will be Adam Hobson, Keith Hobson, Gary Burton, Barry Burton, Ron Hockey, Jr., Jim Wolfe, Keith Haynes, and Billy Joe Vowels.

Honorary pallbearers will be Sonny Burton and Ron Hockey, Sr.

Contributions may be made to Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School, where Billy Ray attended for 12 years and never missed a day.

Online condolences may be made at www.rudyrowland.com .