Billy Joe Thomas, age 83, passed away Monday, December 16, 2024, at his home in East Prairie, MO.  He was born January 25, 1941, in Fulton, KY, to the late Marian Otto Thomas and Daisy Irene Thomas.  Billy Joe was a self-employed logger.  He loved to tinker around with his tractors.  His greatest joy was playing with his great grandchildren.  Billy Joe was of Baptist belief.

On October 1, 1987, in East Prairie, he married Jeannie Sterling, who survives of the home.

Also surviving are two sons, Mark Thomas of High Ridge, MO and Jason (Vickie) Thomas of East Prairie; five daughters, Lanora (Anthony) Brewer of East Prairie, LaNetta (Grant) Nole of Malden, MO, Dara Thomas (Nick Davis) of East Prairie, Leah Thomas of East Prairie, and Sarah (Derrick) Reeves of Anniston, MO; one brother, Marion Thomas of East Prairie; and three sisters, Virginia Hedgcoth of Porterville, CA, Christine Thomas of East Prairie, and Charlotte Thomas of East Prairie.  Also surviving are 18 grandchildren, Ben Thomas, Bella Thomas, Christopher Lipp, Chandler Thomas, Kaitlyn Thomas, Michael Nole, Aubrey Nole, Jaleigh Malloy, Jacob Sipp, Kevin Sipp, Hayden Hall, Miley Hall, Ava Brewer, Jase Brewer, Landon Brewer, Chevy Reeves, Navie Reeves, and Denim Reeves; and 8 great grandchildren, Gracelyn Graham, Daxton Thomas, Bryson Kelly, Hanson Smith, Strider Smith, Reid Smith, Luella Montgomery, and Keaton ("K. J.") Thomas.

Billy Joe was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Logan Thomas; three brothers, Gerald Thomas, Anthony Wayne Thomas, and David Lynn Thomas; and two sisters, Glenda Jackson and Yvonne Hopper.

Visitation will be held Friday, December 20, 2024, beginning at 11 a.m. until time of funeral service at 2 p.m. at Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie.  Bro. Jimmy Allen will officiate.

Interment will follow in East Prairie Memorial Park Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Clayton Moore, Derek Reeves, Tyler Latamondeer, Nick Davis, Little David Turner, and William Thomas.

Honorary pallbearers will be Michael Nole, Dara Thomas, and Leah Thomas.