Royce Thomas, age 75, of Nicholls died at Hospice House of Waycross Thursday August 2nd, 2012 after an extended illness. He was a native of Bacon County but had lived in Nicholls for many years. He was son of the late Cohen Thomas and Vernie Mae Christmas Thomas and was also preceded in death by a brother, Jake Thomas and a sister, Joyce T. Benson. Royce was a commercial truck driver, served in the U S Air Force during the Korean Conflict and was a member of the Big Creek Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Ardelia (Delie) Boatright Thomas of Nicholls, a son Justin Thomas and wife Judy of Alma, three daughters, Connie Mock (Greg) of Alma, Kay Graham (Allen) of Millwood, Jenniffer Harris (Ronnie) of Alma, two brothers, Jessie and Johnny Thomas both of Alma. Also six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren survive.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11:00 o'clock at Big Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Tommy Davis and Rev. Kenyon Fennell officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home Friday evening between 6 and 9 P M. The body will be carried to the church Saturday morning at 10:00 o'clock to lie in state.

Active pallbearers will Thomas Davis, Andy Boatright, Brandon Helms, Greg Mock, Bruce Stevens and Greg Bullard. Grandchildren, Jeremy and Jessica Thomas, Rebecca Helms and Anna Corbitt will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Crosby Funeral Home is in charge of all the arrangements.