Funeral Mass for Robert Edward Thomas, 81, of Leland was held on Monday, September 17 at St. James Catholic Church, Leland. He died Friday, September 14 at his home. Burial was in the Greenville Cemetery under the direction of Boone Funeral Home, Leland.
Mr. Thomas was born on December 11, 1936 to the late Mr. and Mrs. Sam Thomas of Leland. He graduated from Leland High School in 1954 and attended Delta State University playing tennis for the school. He then went on to Southern Mississippi where he graduated. In 1970 he married Gloria Shamoun and they had three children, Robert, Jr., Robin and Charles Salim.
He was President of Leland Video Corporation from 1962-1981, was owner of Robert’s Package Store from 1982-1999 and manager of Cheers Package Store from 1999-2006. Mr. Thomas was a member of St. James Catholic Church where he was a past member of the council. He was also a life member of the Knights of Columbus 4th degree. He served as former President of the Chamber of Commerce, served on the Governors Staff under Governor Bill Waller, was on the Board of Directors of American Red Cross and was a former Rotarian and Real Estate Broker.
Mr. Thomas was an avid tennis player and wonderful father and husband.
He was survived by his wife, Gloria Shamoun Thomas; daughter, Robin T. Henry (Lee); two sons, Robert E. Thomas, Jr. and Charles S. Thomas (Martha Claire); two brothers, James “T” Thomas and David Thomas; and five grandchildren, Caitlyn Henry, Madisyn Henry, Charlie Thomas, Lilly Thomas and James Lincoln Thomas.
There was a visitation one hour prior to the services at the church. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to a charity of choice.