BIG SPRING - Harold Wayne Thomas, 87, Feb. 10, 2021 in Big Spring. He was born on Feb. 15, 1933 to Toliver Benjamin Thomas and Innis Bail Thomas in Post. He was the youngest of six children.
Wayne, also known as Pappy to many, was a life long resident of Post and a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church of Post.
Being raised during the depression, he had a work ethic that was unmatched. He worked 62 years for the United States Postal Service, but that was never his only job. He always had at least two jobs and still had time to serve the community. Many will remember him at the Snak Shack singing while cooking hamburgers. He also worked at the Cotton Mill, as a roughneck, PDQ and Conoco. His continual desire to learn and serve his community led him to become a paramedic in his 50's when most would be looking toward retirement. He worked hard and made the highest score ever on the state exam. He served many years with Post EMS.
Despite his many jobs, he always has time for the kids in the community. He and Jo sponsored many dances at Teen Town and always welcomed all to their home to eat, stay the night or play basketball. He officiated many football, basketball and baseball games. He loved arguing with Jim Bird over the rules.
He also enjoyed fishing with Bud Davis, Billy Hahn and Chili Black and riding bicycles and attending football games with Preston Poole.
He was known for his extreme competitive spirit. He always found a way to win while playing dominos or throwing darts with his family. If by chance he didn't win, he would demand a rematch.
He is preceded in death by his father, Toliver B. Thomas; mother, Innis Bail Thomas Thuett; daughter, Syan Thomas; brothers, Jimmy, Ben L., and AC Thomas; sisters, Lois Benton and Katherine Johnson.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Helen Jo Thomas; children Tol Thomas (Angie) of Andrews, Tammye Griffin of Bruceville/Eddy, and Jendy Thomas of Big Spring; grandchildren Dr. Radley Nichols (Crystal) of San Angelo, TJ Thomas (Jennifer) of Tahoka, Riley Holly of Pie Town, New Mexico, Amanda Hair (Johnny) of Post, Ryan Holly (Sunnie) of Andrews, Paul B Hayes, IV (Lee Ann) of Granbury, Byron Hayes (Samantha) of Stanton, Rachael Grantham (Blake) of Big Spring, Cortni Martin (Derek) of Andrews, and Brittni Phelps (Nathan) of Andrews, 34 Great Grandchildren and three Great Great Grandchildren.
Memorial Services celebrating his life were Feb. 27, at First Methodist Church of Post.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the First United Methodist Church of Post or to Post EMS.