William Truett Thomas

William Truett Thomas was born on September 3, 1939, in Chickasha, Oklahoma, to Derrel and Louise Thomas. He graduated from Northside High School in 1957 and later attended Ouachita Baptist University, where he met the love of his life, Marian Sadler. The two were married on June 21, 1958, in Carlisle, Arkansas, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned decades.

Truett spent the majority of his professional career in sales while also faithfully serving as minister of music and youth in several local churches. His longest and most meaningful service was at First Baptist Church of Alma and Freeman Heights Baptist Church in Berryville, Arkansas, where he impacted countless lives through his ministry and mentorship.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Derrel and Louise Thomas, and by his beloved wife, Marian.

He is survived by his children: Tammi Hargis; Derek Thomas (Lacey); and Leslie Howell (Jeff). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jeremy Hargis; Ryan Hargis (Kendra); Kati Bullington (Johnny); Parker Thomas; Phoebe Gammill (Phil); Max Schaffer; Grant Howell; and Will Howell (Avery). His great-grandchildren include Kalei, Faithlynn, and Julie Hargis; Clara Brickell; Sadler and Ellery Bullington; Oscar and Opal Gammill; and Lucie Howell. He is also survived by his brother, Jerry Thomas, and wife Linda; nephew, Brad Thomas (Tina); and niece, Krista Pennington (Bill).

Truett was an avid golfer and a devoted Razorback fan. Above all, he considered his love for his family, his community, and his service to the church to be his most fulfilling accomplishments.

Funeral service will be 11:00 AM Saturday, January 17, 2026 at First Baptist Church of Alma. The family will visit with friends from 5:00 PM till 7:00 PM Friday, January 16, 2026 at Ocker Funeral Home of Alma. Services are under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home of Alma.

Pallbearers are Jeremy Hargis, Ryan Hargis, Johnny Bullington, Parker Thomas, Max Schaffer, Phil Gammill, Grant Howell, and Will Howell. Honorary pallbearers are Brooks Witherspoon, Clovis Satterfield, Tom Steward, Ronnie Newton, Larry Ruth, Carel Norman, R.W. Ocker, Ginger Gramlich and Scott Peters.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered calls, texts, and visits during this difficult time. They would also like to express special thanks for the compassionate care and comfort provided by Tessie Bodikey; Ladonna and the staff at Memory Lane at Legacy Heights; Brittany and the staff at Senior Care; Jessica and the staff at Mercy ICU; and Kelly and the staff at Heart of Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. http://Tinyurl.com/wtthomas