Tommy Joe Thomas

Tommy Joe Thomas, 49, of Jacksonville, NC, formerly of Poplar Bluff, died unexpectedly Saturday, Feb. 17, 2007, at his residence.

Mr. Thomas was born July 28, 1957, in Poplar Bluff. He was of the Baptist faith and employed as an automotive detailer. Mr. Thomas was an avid outdoorsman and especially enjoyed traveling and gardening.

On July 10, 1998, he married Janice Brown. She survives.

Other survivors include four children, Kevin Banks, of Indianapolis, Ind., Gentre Towns, of Poplar Bluff, Janai Towns, of St. Louis and Rashena McComb, of Neelyville; two step-children, Erica Brown and Kevis Brown, both of Jacksonville, NC; three sisters, Anna Higgs and Keith and Ethel Jordan and Andre, all of Poplar Bluff and Leatha Mason and Anthony, of Ballwin, Mo.; three brothers, Danny Higgs and Rhonda, of Hampton, Va., Sherman Higgs and Neva, of Alton, Ill. and Larry Higgs and Ashley, of Poplar Bluff; a special aunt, JoAnn Wilson, of St. Paul, Minn.; his long time friend, Carroll Harwell, of Poplar Bluff; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

His mother, Joyce Ann Thomas and father, Rufus Higgs, Sr. and brother, Rufus Higgs, Jr. preceded Mr. Thomas in death.

Visitation will be from 12 noon to 1 p.m. Friday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel, in Poplar Bluff. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. Friday in the funeral chapel, with the Rev. Donnell McComb officiating. Burial will be at the City Cemetery, in Poplar Bluff.