Billy L. 'Shug' Thomas, 1931 – 2024

BILLY L. 'SHUG'THOMAS

Shug Thomas, 93 of Slaton, passed peacefully from this world on February 20th, 2024 at the Library of Legacies where he had been a resident for over 7 years. He was a Baptist.

He was born on Feb. 16, 1931, to Claude and Willie Thomas of the Grassland community. Shug graduated from Tahoka High School in 1948. After graduation attended McMurray College in Abilene and Texas Tech in Lubbock, he honorably served in the United States Air Force from 1950 to 1954 being stationed in England, North Africa, as well as stateside.

Shug married the love of his life, Helen Ruth Barton of Post on Dec. 17, 1953. The couple celebrated their 70 anniversary with family and friends on Dec. 16, 2023.

He was a lifelong farmer in Garza and Lynn counties until his retirement in 1997. Shug also faithfully served on the Board of Directors for the Garza County Soil and Water Conservation District for 20 years. He loved to hunt, fish, and travel, as well as writing and reciting his cowboy poetry at the Cowboy Poetry Symposium at the Ranching Heritage Center in Lubbock.

Shug was preceded in death by his parents and only sister, JoAnn Thomas Mock. He is survived by his wife Helen, and two sons, Kirk of Wolfforth and Kel (Jacqui) of Florence, AL along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services were held Sat ., Feb. 24 at Hudman Funeral Home with Revs. Kenneth Winchester and James Martin officiating. A special thanks to Joy Pool for offering a eulogy and to Vernon Scott and Nancy Gordon for providing the wonderful music. The burial was at Terrace Cemetery in Post following the service.

The pallbearers were Bill Aten, Glen Killough, David Martin, James Martin, Mario Avila and Dennis McGehee.

Shug loved life and was enthusiastic about everything he did and was dearly loved by everyone.

The family is deeply and forever grateful to Wayne and Carol McDonald, Francis Gomez and the staff and management of the Library of Legacies (who called him “Sugar Bear”) for years of loving and faithful care provided to Shug.

The family requests any memorial contributions be made to the Library of Legacies and to Ragtown Gospel Theater in Post.