NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — Billy Ray Thomas died Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009, at Mount St. Mary Hospital in Niagara Falls, N.Y. He was 58.

A former Vicksburg resident, Mr. Thomas retired as a self-employed laborer and painter. He was of the Baptist faith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Mae and Collins Thomas; three sisters; and five brothers.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Thomas of Utica; two daughters, Tikeasha Eastman of Waukegan, Ill., and Anita Chambliss of Austin, Texas; three sons, Collins Washington of Niagara Falls, Fabian Eastman of Waukegan and William Eastman of Vicksburg; two brothers, Robert Kelly of Vicksburg and Horance Smith of Detroit; four sisters, Thelma Shelton, Annie Bell and Martha Samerkand, all of Niagara Falls, and Novia Welch of Detroit; and grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Dillon-Chisley Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.