Mr Rayburn Ollie Thomas

Rayburn Ollie Thomas, age 93, of Arab, Alabama passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at Redstone Village. He lived a long, healthy and active life until the past few months when he suffered a brief illness. Rayburn was born on June 1, 1931 at his residence in Union Grove, Alabama to Ruben “Ollie” Thomas and Maude Stone Thomas. Rayburn was always an avid sports fan and participant. He graduated from Arab High School in 1950 where he played baseball and football. After graduation he joined the United States Air Force, he was stationed in Texas and England. While in England he was part of the USAF inter-unit baseball team as a catcher. He shared fond memories of traveling around Europe playing ball with his Air Force buddies. It is not surprising that his love of baseball continued after high school. His father, Ollie, was a pitcher until he was 48 years old playing for teams in Marshall County, Blount County, Huntsville and Allens Cross Roads. Rayburn continued to play catcher for the Arab Independent League and the Red Birds of Guntersville till he was 32 years old. He and his five other brothers were sports legends in this area. After returning from the service, he met Doris Fay Wright on a blind date. They were married on December 22, 1956. They were married for almost 64 years when Doris passed away on November 1, 2020. They enjoyed shopping, traveling to the Smokey Mountains to watch the fall leaves change, hosting family meals, spending time with their grandkids and spending time outdoors. Throughout most his life he wore many hats. Rayburn worked for Revere, McDonnell Douglas, served as Director of Parks and Recreation for the Marshall County Commission, coached youth league baseball, served as an official for baseball, football and basketball from t-ball to high school level, and sold vehicles for Alexander/Scoffield. After fully retiring he spent most of his time watching his grandsons and granddaughters in their school activities. He traveled the Gulf South Conference where he was able to see both grandsons follow in his footsteps as catchers. In his spare time, he enjoyed his garden, walking at the walking trail with his good friends Pete Taylor, Wayne Washam and Verron Glass and playing golf with Harold Barnard or his grandkids. Rayburn served as a Deacon at Corinth Baptist Church where he and Doris were both active members. He was a member Arab First Baptist Church. He will be remembered by all who knew him as a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. Family members left behind to cherish Rayburn’s memories include children, Donna Thomas Allen (Mark) and Mike Thomas (Kristy); grandchildren Patrick Taylor (Jill), Katie Taylor Hamilton (Trey), Payton Thomas and Livie Thomas; great-grandchildren Will Taylor, Sally Taylor, Anne Hamilton and Jack Hamiliton. Rayburn was preceded in death by wife, Doris Thomas; parents, Ollie and Maude Thomas; siblings, Allene King, Ernestine King, Wilburn Thomas, Charles Thomas, Joe Thomas, Winston Thomas and Donald Thomas. Visitation will be Sunday, December 1, 2024 at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel from 12:00 pm-2:00 pm, with the funeral service immediately following at 2:00 pm. Officiating will be Mike Springfield and Patrick Taylor. PALLBEARERS: Patrick Taylor, Payton Thomas, Trey Hamiliton, Steve King, Phillip King, Thomas King and Brandon Thomas Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel, directing

Mr Rayburn Ollie Thomas

June 1, 1931 - November 24, 2024