Danny Morris Thomas
1951 ~ 2017
Date of death: September 24, 2017
In profound sadness, the staff of Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc. want to express our sincere condolences to the Thomas family. Danny's earthly temple is now resting in the care of Veasley Funeral Home. Revelations 21:4 says "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death; nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall their be anymore pain, for the former things are passed away." Be assured that in the days ahead you will surely gain strength from the memories of Mr. Danny M. Thomas.
Sincerely,
Derrick B.Veasley ~ Director
Henry B.Veasley ~ Director
Pastor E.C. Maltbia ~ Chaplain
Danny Thomas was born on October 3, 1951 in Hot Springs, Arkansas, the sixth child born to Isaac Thomas Senior and Antee Clark Thomas. Of five boys and five girls, he was the baby boy and given the nickname "Danny Morris Murphy Tippy Lightening Strucking Thomas." With such a unique family given name he was bound to be an honorable husband, loving father, true brother, successful athlete and businessman, entertaining and funny uncle.
Being one of ten children, Danny had an innate desire to stand out. That he did, following in the footsteps of his older brothers excelling in sports. He was a star athlete who earned a scholarship to play basketball for Hendrix College in Conway, AR. There he set two scoring records. Among numerous accolades he was named honorable mention All- American in 1973. He was a four-year letterman and graduated in 1974. Danny also lettered in track and was part of the 440 yard relay team which set a school record. He was inducted into Hendrix College's Hall of Honor in 1995.
In 1973–74 Danny served as assistant basketball coach to Cliff Garrison at Hendrix College. He went on to become the head basketball coach at Marion High and Sylvan Hills High Schools. After fourteen years of coaching, Danny pursued a career with State Farm Insurance. He spent the next twenty-seven years with the company and formed many lasting friendships. He was well respected in his profession and known to have a diligent work ethic.
While attending college, Danny met and married his treasured wife Sandra Kay Brown. They were blessed with three beautiful children and four precious grandchildren.
Danny was a man of true integrity. He always made time for people, offering them encouragement and guidance. He volunteered as a coach in youth sports for many years and impacted lives by the example he set. He was genuine, patient and kind hearted. He loved young people and always took an interest in them.
Above all, Danny was a godly man who recognized Christ as his Lord and Savior. He raised his family in the fear of the Lord and was devoted to his faith and to his family. He was a member of Agape Church in Little Rock.
Danny was preceded in death by his beautiful daughter, Dandra Kay Thomas whom he deeply cherished; as well as his aforementioned parents; brothers, Wilbert (Patricia) and Vercy Thomas; sisters, Velma Ann Early and Berna Dean Thomas; two nieces, Andrea Thomas Parker and Jennifer Antee Howard; nephew, Lamont Credit.
His legacy of love will live on in the hearts of his wife Sandra of Conway; two beautiful children, Mario (Micaela) Thomas and Bridget Thomas; his grandchildren, Breylin Smith and Jaiden, Jeryn and Jamen Thomas all of Conway, AR; his siblings, Johnny (Lillian) Thomas of Miami, FL; Isaac (LaTonya) Thomas, Jr. of Cedar Hills, TX; Veter (George) Howard, III of Pine Bluff, AR; Amanda (Michael) Pace of Suwanee, GA; and Connie (Clifton) McGowan of Maumelle, AR; brother-in-laws, Joseph Early Sr. of Hot Springs, AR; Dwight Brown, Gary Brown and Ladell (Elese) Brown of Conway; sister-in-laws, Theresa Thomas of Dallas, TX, Lee (Bernie) Miller of Denver, CO, Joyce (Elbert) Credit and Connie (Ronnie) Williams of Conway, AR; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, September 29, 2017, 11:00am at Agape Church, 701 Napa Valley Dr., Little Rock, Arkansas 72212.
Committal service and final resting place will be at Salem Cemetery, Conway, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Danny & Dandra Thomas Memorial Fund for scholarships and assistance to athletes at Conway High School. Donations may be mailed to 2300 Prince Street, Conway AR 72034 Attn: Ashley Nance. They may also be given at any First Security Bank.