Robert "Cigar" Thomas

Robert "Cigar" Earl Thomas, 73, of Paragould, passed from this life on Monday, January 30, 2023. He was born in Corning on November 13, 1949, to the late Clarence and Lois Thomas. Robert worked 45 years at L.A. Darling Store Fixtures before retiring. He married Regina Keech on November 2, 1968, and they remained husband and wife for 52 years until her passing in 2021. Cigar, as he was known to many, was a demolition derby fanatic. He would take any opportunity to get behind the wheel in a derby. Cigar also attended many stock car races watching his son-in-law, Scott, race. Cigar enjoyed working on vehicles, and he had a talent for fixing them. Fitting to his name, Cigar was an avid cigar smoker. While he was known to accomplish many things in his life, his greatest moment came on September 18, 2022, when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Now he has received the ultimate checkered flag in Heaven. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Lois Thomas; sister, Carolyn Evans; and wife, Regina Thomas.

Cigar is survived by his daughter, Shelly (Scott) Tracer of Rector; grandson, Blake (Tasha Tarry) Tracer of Paragould; granddaughter, Brittney (Jonathan) Forester of Paragould; great grandchildren, Bryson and Molly Tracer, and Tucker, Rayce, and Sawyer Tarry; and brother, Jackie (Betty) Thomas of Corning.

The family will receive friends Thursday, February 2, 2023, from 6-8pm at Heath Funeral Home. The funeral is Friday at 1pm at Heath Funeral Home with Cliff Carter officiating. Burial will follow in Greene County Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers are Blake Tracer, Jonathan Forester, Shane Jackson, Nick Weaver, Rich Mathis, and Randy Wright. Honorary pallbearers are Mike Cox, Fred Summers, and Bobby Tracer. To honor Cigar, please send memorials to Make-A-Wish Foundation.