Mr. Roy A. Thomas, age eighty, of Wallins, KY went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday afternoon, May 26, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family. The eighth of fifteen children, Roy was born on November 16, 1942, in Wallins Creek to William (Bill) and Flora Ellen Wilder Thomas. He was always a talker, the family jokester, and thoroughly enjoyed playing pranks on family and friends. On April 2, 1976, he married Janie Chadwick, whose husband had passed away leaving her to raise three young daughters. Roy took those three girls in and loved them as he loved his own two children. Their blended family was a beautiful example of how love overcomes all.

Roy was a coal miner for more than forty years and absolutely loved his job. He was a work-a-holic and even after he was injured in a mining accident and unable to work underground, he took an office position at the mines. Once he retired, he kept himself busy wood working, gardening, and occasionally riding his 4-wheeler in the mountains. While he enjoyed those pastimes, Roy's heart was turned fully toward his God and his family. He was a baptized believer and loved attending services at the Banner Fork Pentecostal Church in Wallins. He was a dedicated member of the church for many years and enjoyed singing at church. He had even made a CD of himself singing some of his favorite hymns.

Family came first to Roy and was the most important thing in his life, aside from his faith. He would do anything for his children and grandchildren, always providing what they needed, and was happiest when he was spending time with them. He had a vivacious personality, never met a stranger, was selfless, and always went above and beyond to help others.

Roy is preceded in death by his parents, Flora and Bill Thomas; a son, Roy Liston Thomas; a daughter, Deborah Shafer; a granddaughter, Heather Shafer; sisters: Wila Mae Gholson, Wilma Jean Gamble; and brothers: Earl, Creed and James Hensley and Charles, Willard, Don, Bobby, Paul, and Johnny Thomas.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of forty-seven years, Janie Thomas; his four children: Melissa Thomas Shepherd and  husband, Shep, Della Niday and husband, James, Deanna Saylor Morales and husband, Fidel, and Caleb Hensley; five grandchildren: Josh Shepherd, Tonya Hensley, Stephanie Miles and husband, Will, Billy Wayne Hensley, Jr. and wife, Ashley, and Brandi Fee and husband, Austin; five great-grandchildren: Hailey Rider, Wyatt Miles, Mallory Miles, J.J. Prince, and Brystal Shepherd; two sisters: Darlene Niday, Judy Benson; a brother, Jack Thomas and wife, Vanessa; two sons-in-law: Tom Saylor and Billy Wayne Hensley, Sr.; a host of nieces and nephews; special friends: Sissy Niday, Nancy Sizemore, and Jennifer Belcher Caldwell; as well as many dear friends.

Visitation for Mr. Roy will be held Tuesday, May 30, 2023 from 1:00-2:00pm in the chapel of Harlan Funeral Home with the funeral service beginning at 2:00. Reverend Buddy Simpson will be officiating. Roy will be laid to rest at Park Howard Cemetery in Wallins, KY, with family members serving as pallbearers.

Harlan Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Roy Thomas.