Funeral services for Mr. Oliver Thomas Sr., 80 of Killeen, TX will be on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, 1:00 p.m. at Second Street Baptist Church in Killeen, TX. Burial with military honors will follow the service at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, from 6:00 -8:00 p.m. at Chisolm's Family Funeral Home in Killeen, TX.

Mr. Thomas passed away December 21, 2023, in Killeen, TX.

Mr. Oliver Thomas Sr. was born September 30, 1943, to parents Willie Thomas and Hannah Washington Thomas in Helena, he passed away December 21, 2023, in Killeen, TX. He was raised in Lake Providence, LA, surrounded by several generations of family members. He completed his public education requirements at G.W. Griffin High School in Lake Providence, LA. After high school he stayed busy over the next few years working jobs ranging from the cotton fields of both Louisiana and Mississippi to housekeeping, culinary and patient care in various nursing homes in Vicksburg Ms.

As times began to bring about change, Oliver decided to be about change; he left his southern roots behind to join other family members in Los Angeles, California. It was there where he joined the United States Army on June 27, 1967. He served his country proudly until his honorable discharge on July 19, 1978. During his tenure in the military, he served several overseas assignments as well as in the Vietnam War. While serving, he received numerous awards, medals and ribbons that include: The Army Service Ribbon, Army Achievement Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Ribbon, Vietnam Sanctuary Ribbon, Counter Offensive Phase II, M-L Expert Qualification Badge, M-16 Expert Qualification Badge, and the National Defense Service Medal.

After the military he was employed with several companies including Security Officer at the Texas Youth Commission, Security Officer at Dell Computer Industry, eventually he stepped out on faith and accepted a position recommended by his Pastor/Son =in-Law, as Janitorial Supervisor for Smith Supply Company, Temple Texas.

He was an avid fisherman, not only could he catch the fish, but he enjoyed cleaning and cooking fish. He loved sharing the fish that he caught with whomsoever will let them come. In the year of 2000, he proved that he not only had the ability to catch fish for men, but he decided to be a fisher of men. He declared his faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, by rededicating his life to the Lord at Second Street BC was baptized on December 17, 2000 by his son-in-law and Pastor, RM Harris. He didn't just join the church; he proved that he was sold out for Jesus Christ by working at the church doing whatever he could for the kingdom of God. He would faithfully travel twice a week to get food for the church pantry and others give food to others throughout the surrounding areas. He was faithful in the Lord's work until sickness in his body overtook his ability to work.

Left to cherish his memories: wife, Lucille Maye; sons, Darrell Thomas (Cynthia) of  Hemet, CA, Oliver Thomas III of Los Angeles, CA, Kevin Thomas of CA, Damien Maye (Tanika) of Waco, TX; daughter, Mary L. Harris (Roy M.) of Killeen, TX; stepsons, John Banks and Kirk Banks of Jackson, MS; stepdaughters, Demetrius Bliss, Tina Lloyd and Stacey Thomas of Jackson, MS; brothers, Deon Wesber of  Nevada, and Willie Thomas of Arizona; sisters, Marilyn Gray of Pennsylvania; grandchildren, Darryl Thomas (Genesis), Jerome Bennett (Dekieshana), Asia Bennett, Darrell Thomas, Oliver Thomas, Cynthia Thomas Payne (Kweli), Oliver Thomas, Nelson Thomas, Erica Maye, Makayla Davis, Zykira Davis, Anthony Thomas, Miquita Taylor, Renee Harris, Alisa Wright; Great-grandchildren, Lakiyah DeAndrade, Comfort, Isaiah, Akin DeAndrade, Ezekiel, Jerome, Treasure, Delilah, Royal, Kehlani Maye, Jisaiah Harris, Iyana Pharr-Taylor, Eternity Cheadle, Praise Thomas, Grace Thomas, Heavenly Taylor, Kaiden Wright, Honesty Taylor, Anthony Thomas Jr., Roman Thomas; and a host of other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Thomas and Hannah Washington Thomas, and sisters Irene Simmons, Dorothy Marks, and Willie Bee Peeler.