Tommy Joe “Bo” Thomas

Tommy Joe Thomas, better known by all as “Bo,” was born November 22, 1952, in Sulphur, to Joe Billy and Louise (Shepard) Thomas. He died on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, in Sulphur, at the age of 72, following a three-year battle with cancer. Bo and the former Ms. Paula Sue Gray were married on January 7, 1978, in Sulphur. To this union were born two children, Crystal and Levi.

Bo grew up on Midway Hill, between Sulphur and Davis. After graduating from Sulphur High School in 1971, he began working for Dolese Brothers as a loader operator. In 1982, Bo started his own welding and fabrication shop, “Bo’s Welding” which later became “Bo’s Better Built.” For 30+ years Bo built utility trailers, which were second to none. Being a meticulous fabricator, his trailers were the best of the best, selling and shipping trailers nationwide. Due to failing health, Bo closed his welding shop in 2022. At that time, he began working part-time for Murray County District 1. He enjoyed his time working with the county, especially his co-workers. As a man who believed in hard work, this job helped fill his final days with purpose and give him something to do.

Bo was a very proud father and grandfather. He was always there to support and encourage his family at their school events. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and mowing.

Bo was a quiet man, with an incredibly determined mind. After receiving a diagnosis that gave him only six months to live, Bo made up his mind he would fight his cancer with all his might, which gave him an additional three years with his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Paula; his mother, Louise Thomas; daughter, Crystal Ingram and husband Jerry; son, Levi Thomas and wife Beth; grandsons, Schane and Jason Thomas; two nephews, Mark, and Brian Thomas; as well as grandson, Dalton Ingram and wife Paige; granddaughter, Ashton Ingram; great-grandchildren, Daxton Love and Lynlee Ingram; as well as numerous cousins.

Bo was preceded in death by his grandson, Paden Joe Thomas; his father, Joe Thomas; his brother, Billy Thomas; as well as his in-laws, Paul and Patsy Gray.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, Nov. 9, 2025, at the Midway Hill Baptist Church, with Pastor Willard McCartney, Jr., officiating. Interment followed at the Green Hill Cemetery in Davis. Services are “Entrusted To” HALE’S Funeral Home of Sulphur.

Online condolences may be offered at halesfuneralhomes.com.