Ronald Edwin "Ron" Thomas, 71, of Whitney, Texas, passed away Wednesday, July 25, 2018, in Waco. Graveside services were held at 11a.m. Friday, August 3, at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery with Dr. Richani Darden officiating Services were under the direction of Marshall & Marshall Funeral Directors in Hillsboro.

Born April 25, 1947, in Wichita Falls, he was the son of Raymond and Francis Vestal Thomas. He grew up in Wichita Falls and graduated from Rider High School, where he played baseball. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving as an electronics technician and taking an active role during the Vietnam War. In 1970, he married Cathy Bussey and they returned to Fallon, Nevada, where he was stationed for one year before transfer to San Diego for another two years. Upon his discharge in 1973, they returned to Wichita Falls where he attended Midwestern State University, graduating in 1973. After graduation, Ron began a career in construction equipment sales, which led him to ultimately establish his own successful equipment and auction company in Dallas.

He took leadership roles within the Baptist church, where he helped establish outreach programs for underprivileged youth along with leading Sunday School and Bible studies for young adults. His love of sports expanded into coaching basketball, softball and soccer. Upon retirement, he settled in Whitney, where he found a delight in antiques and live music.

Ron never met a stranger, loved the Lord, enjoyed talking shop about the Dallas Cowboys and had a heart bigger than Texas. Preceding him in death were his father, Raymond Thomas; mother, Francis Thomas; brother (name illegible), sister-in-law Beulah Bussey; and father-in-law Joseph Bussey. Survivors include his loving wife of 48 years, Cathy Thomas of Lake Whitney; son Jon Thomas of Plano; sisters-in-law Margaret Bussey of Lake Whitney and Susan Thomas of Henrietta; brother-in-law Joe Bussey and wife, Natalie, of Lubbock; nephews Matt Thomas of Bedford, Mike Thomas of Waxahachie, and Michael Bussey of Pampa; nieces Ashley Thomas Carrizales of Bowie and Stephanie Wood of Lubbock.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Central Texas, 2032 Circle Road, Waco, TX 76706. Condolences may be made at www.marshallandmarshallfd.com.