Funeral services for Joel Rayford Thames are Thursday, March 17, 2016, at 2 p.m. at New Hope Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Dr. Joey Faulk and Bro. David Williams will officiate. Wilson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements

Visitation was Wednesday, March 16, 2016, from 5 until 9 p.m. at New Hope Baptist Church.

Mr. Thames, 57, died Tuesday, March 15, 2016, at his residence in Monticello. He was born Dec. 14, 1958, in Brookhaven.

Joel retired this past Dec. 31, 2015, as the sheriff of Lawrence County after four consecutive terms, giving him a total of 31 years with law enforcement.  He was the president of The Mississippi Sheriff’s Association. Mr. Thames was a lifetime member of New Hope Baptist Church and served as a deacon for many years.

Preceding him in death was his mother, Vonece Nelson Thames.

Survivors are his wife, Tammy Reid Thames; sons, Landon and Logan Thames; father, Paul Thames; and sister, Paula Thames Smith.

Memorials can be made to the New Hope Baptist Church Building Fund, 618 Carmel New Hope Road, Monticello, MS 39654

To share condolences please visit www.wilsonfuneralhomemonticello.com.