[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 40 (Thursday, March 8, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E500]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO BILL THOMAS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARION BERRY

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 8, 2007

  Mr. BERRY. Madam Speaker, I rise here today to pay tribute to a dear 
friend, Bill Thomas. Bill was known throughout Northeast Arkansas for 
his unwavering dedication to his community. His gracious spirit and his 
friendship will be missed by all.
  Bill Thomas was a successful, independent businessman in Wynne, 
Arkansas. Bill built a reputation as a leader in economic development 
through his work as president and executive director for the Cross 
County Economic Development Corporation. His initiatives, which 
revitalized Cross County were considered a model for the entire state 
of Arkansas.
  Bill believed that in order for a community to flourish, active 
involvement was essential to success. As chairman of the Parks and 
Recreation Commission in Wynne, he helped develop a new baseball and 
softball facility. Bill was also on the board of directors for the Boys 
and Girls Club, Workforce Investment, the Crossroads Coalition, and was 
president-elect of the Arkansas Economic Developers. Often, Bill went 
above and beyond the call of duty because he was committed to a life of 
public service and making his community a better place.
  Bill Thomas was born and raised in Cross County and graduated from 
Parkin High School, in 1970. He attended the University of Arkansas and 
was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Bill later earned his 
Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the 
University of Mississippi, in 1975.
  He is survived by his wife, LaRand Ozier, two sons, Charles Randolph 
Thomas of Fayetteville, William Brett Thomas of Wynne, and sister, Ann 
Dawes Thomas of Wynne. Bill was a member of the First United Methodist 
Church in Wynne. Bill's memory will continue to live through his legacy 
of civic service and the positive influence he had on so many lives, 
including my own.