Cliff Thomas

Cliff Thomas, 74, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on December 8, 2025, following a 7-year battle with Alzheimer's. Born on May 9, 1951, Cliff lived a life defined by faith, dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering love for his family.
A proud graduate of Abilene High School, Class of 1969. Cliff grew up playing football and baseball. His brother pitched and he caught. Their dad coached it all. Mom always had a cake or pie waiting when they got home. Though an injury changed the path he once imagined, it opened doors that led him to Hardin-Simmons University and eventually to the University of Texas at Arlington, where he earned his MBA. His strength of character and pursuit of excellence led him to a seven-year career as a Special Agent with the FBI. Cliff later found his true calling in the building world, establishing Bar-T Construction in 1983. For forty years (until 2023) he poured his skill, integrity, and heart into the homes of many families in the Arlington and DFW area.
On August 20, 1977, Cliff married the love of his life, Marie 'Ilene' Bedgood, and together they built a family rooted in love, laughter, and faith. Their children-Christina, Billy Ray, and Cril-were his greatest earthly joy, until his Grandsons arrived. He then began his favorite role as "Captain".
Cliff had a lifelong love of anything involving water. The stages of his life can easily be identified by the boat he had at the time. He spent years towing his kids up and down Lake Granbury dreaming with his wife of a home they would one day have there. Shortly after his first grandson arrived, he made that dream come true by purchasing and rebuilding his dream home in Rock Harbor.
Cliff loved traveling with his family, especially to the Caribbean and the Mountains. His snowboarding trip to Canada with Billy and Cril was one of the highlights of his life.
He was an avid runner, known for forcing his kids to run many miles with him before school every morning. He was easily identified on the Arlington streets by his very short, neon running shorts. In his later years, Cliff developed a fierce passion for pickleball-especially for hitting the ball as hard as he possibly could. His competitive spirit, humor, and enthusiasm made him unforgettable on and off the court.
He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Johnny Maxine Thomas, and his father, William Arthur Thomas Jr.
Cliff is survived by his loving wife, Ilene; his children Christina Davis (Tim), William Raymond "Billy Ray" Thomas (Taylor), and Charles 'Crilion' Thomas; and his cherished grandsons Lincoln Davis, Colton Davis, Micah Thomas, and Tobin Thomas. He is also survived by his brother and best friend Clint Thomas (Glynis), and niece Haley Walker (Kody) and nephew Jake Thomas, as well as his many loved brothers- and sisters-in-law from the Bedgood family and numerous nieces and nephews.
Cliff lived a life anchored in Christ and guided by the truth of Scripture. The words of Isaiah 40:31 reflect his strength and his hope: "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Though he has finished his earthly race, Cliff now rejoices in the presence of his Savior. His legacy of faith, grit, and love will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday December 13, 2025, at 10am at Stonewater Church in Granbury, Texas. A reception will follow at his home in Rock Harbor.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite charity.
Cliff was an avid supporter of Special Olympics, Young Life and the Beu Foundation.