Services for Bennie Lee “Papa Kool” Thomas Sr., of Chico,Calif., are 1 p.m., Saturday, July 17, at Roxie Baptist Church withburial in Roxie Cemetery.

Visitation is Friday from 6-8 p.m., and Saturday from noon until1 p.m. at which time a slide presentation will be shown, atMarshall Funeral Home in Bude. There will be a meal at RoxieBaptist Church following the burial.

Mr. Thomas, 61, died July 8, 2004, at his residence after abrief illness. He was born in Franklin County on Aug. 29, 1942, toVeater Mae Thomas Briggs and Johnny (Buddy) Briggs.

He was a native of Roxie. He united his life with Christ at anearly age at Zion Baptist Church in Roxie. He was a graduate of Mt.Olive High School in Kirby. He was longtime employee of GeorgiaPacific in Roxie until he became disabled and returned toCalifornia.

Preceding him in death were his parents.

Survivors are his stepmother, Dorothy Briggs of Roxie; his wife,Evelyn (Penny) Thomas of Chico; four daughters, Jacqueline Thomas,Chalanda (Little Bit) Thomas and Latonya Thomas, all of Chico, andRegina Thomas of Jackson; two sons, Bennie Jr. and Tyrone Thomas,both of Chico; three sisters, Vernell (Briggs) Bateaste ofBeaumont, Texas, Glenda Ruth Briggs of Roxie and Gail (Briggs)Williams of Cincinnati, Ohio; one adopted sister, Terry Jo Wilsonof Miami, Fla.; six brothers, Jimmy Briggs of Gulfport, Joel Briggsand Dyral Briggs, both of Cincinnati, Vince Briggs of Roxie,Gregory Briggs of Charlotte, N.C., and Vextric Briggs of Beaumont,Texas; eleven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a host ofnieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.