Steven Thomas

Steve Thomas, 75, of Russellville, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, January 7, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply.

Steve was born June 25, 1950, and grew up in Mississippi. He graduated from Greenwood High School in Greenwood, Mississippi, and went on to earn his bachelor's degree from Mississippi State University in Vocational Education with a specialization in Welding. Education became not just his profession, but his life's calling.

Steve began his career as a welding instructor, later serving as Vocational Director at Brinkley High School, where he helped countless students find purpose, skill, and confidence. His passion for leadership and service led him to continue his education, earning a master's degree in building level administration from the University of Arkansas and a specialist degree in district administration from Arkansas State University.

He went on to serve as Assistant Principal and Principal of Brinkley High School, later becoming Principal of Clarendon High School, and ultimately Superintendent of the Wonderview School District. Across every role he held, Steve was known as a steady leader, a problem-solver, and a man who genuinely cared about students-especially those who needed someone to believe in them. He changed lives not through titles, but through compassion, expectations, and quiet consistency.

On May 17, 1974, Steve married the love of his life, Sheila Imus Thomas, in Brinkley, Arkansas. Together, they shared more than 50 years of marriage. His greatest pride was his family-being a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather, and a joyful great-grandfather.

Steve was a man of faith throughout his life. During his years in Brinkley, he was an active member of First Baptist Church of Brinkley, where he faithfully served for many years as the church's "sound man," a role he took seriously and carried out humbly behind the scenes. After moving to Russellville 21 years ago, Steve continued to live out his faith as a member of First Baptist Church in Russellville, serving on the audio-visual media team. His dedication to service extended beyond the church and into the community, where he served multiple terms on the Brinkley City Council, was Head of the Monroe County Sheriff's Auxiliary, and served as Office of Emergency Management Coordinator for Monroe County. He was also an active member of Gideons International - Russellville Camp, believing deeply in sharing his faith through service to others.

In his free time, Steve enjoyed fishing, hunting, and working with his hands, but above all, he cherished time spent with his family.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Reynolds Hamm; his sister, Debbie Owens; and his in-laws, Bill and Frances Imus.

Survivors include his wife, Sheila Thomas of Russellville; two daughters, Krista Malin and husband Mark, and Karla Foley and husband C.J., all of Russellville; five grandchildren, Christian Malin and wife Marissa of Russellville, Cara Malin, Caleb Malin, Landen Foley, and Libby Jo Foley; one great-grandson, Maverick Malin; his parents, Kempe and Judy Thomas of Byram, Mississippi; two sisters, Kem Johnson and Stephanie Thomas; one brother, Billy Thomas and wife Ashlee; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 10, 2026, at First Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Cloud and Rev. Greg Sykes officiating. Burial will follow at Center Valley Memorial Gardens in Russellville under the direction of Humphrey Funeral Service.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until service time on Saturday at the church.

Memorials may be made to Gideons International, Russellville Camp, P.O. Box 1604, Russellville, AR 72811, or First Baptist Church, 200 South Denver Avenue, Russellville, AR 72801.