Billy Bob Thomason, 75, of Center, passed away at his residence on Monday, August 8, 2011. He was born on March 5, 1936, in Shelby County, to Allen R. Thomason and Fleta Potts Thomason. Billy Bob was a life-long member of the First Methodist Church in Center. He was the owner and operator of Johnny's Package Store for over 35 years.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at Watson and Sons Chapel with Rev. Joel D. McMahon III officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Pallbearers will be Bill Holt, Steve Tinkle, Mike Jones, James Paul Wilson, John Lee Pigg, L.H. Hewitt, Bobby Wilson and Chris Goodwin. Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy Matthews, Henry Whittlesey, Gary Carroll, John Dean Windham, Pat Buddin and Jimmy Jack Beale.

He is survived by:

Wife, of 29 years, Donna Schillings Thomason of Center

Daughter, Dawn Barnes and husband, Trey of Gary

Grandsons:
Tate Barnes of Gary
Brant Barnes of Gary

Sister-in-law, Ann Bowen and husband, Billy of Center

Brother-in-law, Joe Tom Schillings and wife, Kathryn of Shelbyville

Cousins:
Ruby Gunnels of Center
Betty Willis of Center
Virginia Stone of Garland

Nieces:
Shana Brittain and husband, Boby
Jennifer Leach and husband, Mark

Nephew, Jon Schillings and wife, Joanna

Great nieces and nephews:
Seth and Jaxon Brittain
Colt and Gracie Leach

Preceded in death by:
Parents, Allen "Cheese" Thomason and Fleta Potts Thomason
Cousin, James Buckner

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Center or the Methodist Children's Home in Waco.