Curtis Eugene Thomas

Curtis Eugene "Gene" Thomas, 63, passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, August 25th, 2024. His visitation will be held on August 27, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Ott & Lee Funeral Homes in Brandon, Mississippi. A second visitation will take place the following day on August 28, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at First Baptist Church in Florence, Mississippi with the Funeral following immediately after. Burial will be in Zion Hill Cemetery in Braxton, MS. 

Gene was born in Jackson, Mississippi on November 2nd, 1960 to James Curtis Thomas and Martha Thomas. The first son of the family, Gene would often help his mother in the kitchen by day and help his father hunt raccoons at night. Gene graduated from Jim Hill High School in 1980 and soon found his calling in hardware, parts, and appliances. In 1984, he met the love of his life, Theresa Matthews, who just so happened to be the cousin of his boss at the time. After a year of hunting deer with her father and learning to love her mother's biscuits, they were married. Together, they built a beautiful family, welcoming their sons Andrew in 1987 and Jacob in 1994.

Gene was a devoted husband and father, sharing his passions with his family. He took great pride in the life he created with Theresa. In 2009, Gene joyfully welcomed his daughter-in-law Brooke into the family, and soon after, he became a proud grandfather to Brody, Emmalyn, and Brees. As a Papaw, Gene cherished his time with his grandchildren, attending countless birthdays, ball games, and recitals. 

On any given weekend, Gene could be found watching NASCAR or Ole Miss football and/or listening to his library of albums in the comfort of his beloved "Man Room." He was a member of First Baptist Church of Florence where he found a deeply cherished Sunday School family. After retiring from Capitol Hardware in November 2023, Gene enjoyed a peaceful life in the country, surrounded by the love of his family and friends. 

He is survived by his wife Theresa, sons Andrew (Brooke) and Jacob, as well as his father-in-law, James Amason, sister, Beverly Williams (Billy), and his brothers: Jimmy Thomas (Tracy) and Billy Thomas (Pam). Gene's family extended further through the bonds with his nieces and nephews, Belinda Pigg (Chad), Beronica Stringfellow (Don), Bryan "Buck" Williams, Bridget Williams, Brad Williams, Ben Thomas, Abby Thomas, and Tanner Thomas. He is also survived by his great-nephews and nieces Mason Pigg, Brady Pigg, Kacey Pigg, Ashton Stringfellow, and Kabie Stringfellow. 

Gene was preceded in death by his father, James Curtis Thomas, and his mother, Martha Thomas. He also mourned the loss of his mother-in-law, Mildred Amason, and father-in-law, Alton Matthews, along with his sister-in-law Virginia Barnes and nephew Billy "Bear" Williams. 

He will be remembered for his kindness, strength, and unwavering commitment to his family. His presence will be sorely missed, but his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.