Charles Ray Thomas, 83, of Highland Village, Texas passed away at home on August 11th, 2023. Charlie was born November 3rd, 1939, in Louisiana to loving parents Jeff and Ruthie Ray Freeman Thomas.  He grew up in Jasper, Texas, where he met the love of his life, Frances Adams Thomas (Fran).

After high school, Charlie joined the Army and was stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was part of the 82nd Airborne and made several special forces trips overseas. His time in the military was very impactful for him. He was proud to be an Army veteran and he only spoke about his military actions much later in his life.

After leaving the Army, the GI Bill paid for his college degree at Lamar University in Beaumont, TX.  He and Fran were married on August 27, 1965 in Jasper, TX. They have two children, James Nathan (Jim) Thomas and Leigh Andrea Thomas Johnson.

Charlie had a long and successful career as a salesperson in the packaging business. He loved all sports. He played baseball, football and ran track in high school. He went on to love tennis, golf, and coaching men's softball. He adored his 3 grandchildren and attended every single sporting event or performance that they were involved in. Charlie was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a deacon at church and served in many leadership capacities at First Baptist Lewisville.

He loved Jesus and was determined to point every person to Him. Charlie had an infectious sense of humor, unending charm and was a friend to everyone.

Charlie is survived by his wife of 58 years, Fran, and his son Jim (Laura) and daughter Leigh (Jeff) and grandchildren Emma Kaye James (Austin), Jenna Thomas, and Grant Johnson as well as his sister Normal Lee Martin and many loved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jeff and Ruthie Ray, brothers Vernon, Jeff and Dewit, sisters, Patsy, Maxine and Geneva, and nieces Linda and Belinda.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 Monday, August 14th at First Baptist Lewisville.

In leu of flowers, please consider donating to church projects in Charlie's name to First Baptist Lewisville at https://fbclewisville.org/give/ .