Jack D. Thomas

Jack D. Thomas, 91, of Collierville, Tennessee, formerly of Searcy, Arkansas, passed away on May 12, 2026. He was born on April 14, 1935, in Hollis, Oklahoma, to the late Roy and Willie Ruth (Tillman) Thomas. Jack earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Abilene Christian University before beginning his career as a band director, serving students in Texas and Long Island, New York, for 11 years. He later pursued his Ph.D. at Texas A&M University and devoted much of his professional life to psychology, education, and public service. From 1974 to 2009, Jack served as Chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences at Harding University, where he deeply valued working alongside his colleagues and faculty members. He also served as Chief Psychologist at Searcy Medical Center from 1977 to 2013 and volunteered as a psychologist with the White County Sheriff’s Department from 2009 to 2013. Jack’s leadership and expertise were recognized statewide. He served as a Member of the Advisory Board of the Criminal Justice Institute (CJI) within the University of Arkansas System from 1992 to 2013, appointed by Governor Mike Beebe. Earlier in his career, he was appointed by the Governor of Arkansas to serve as both Member and Chair of the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Psychology from 1981 to 1986. Above all his accomplishments, Jack considered marrying Mary Lois Newhouse in 1963 to be the greatest blessing of his life. Through their marriage, he was welcomed into the Newhouse family, which became a cherished part of his life story. Jack treasured being a devoted husband, loving father to two sons and their wives, and proud grandfather to nine grandchildren. Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Mary Lois (Newhouse) Thomas; two sons and their wives, Andy and Jennifer Thomas, and Britt and Wendy Thomas; and nine grandchildren, Caroline, Jonathan, Sydney, and Alexandra, Callie, Cade Bishop, Josie Bishop, Claire, and Ila. He is preceded in death by his mother and father; half brothers, Donald Eugene Breedlove and John Junior Breedlove. Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 2:00pm, at College Church of Christ in Searcy. Visitation will precede the service, beginning at 12:30pm. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 2:00pm, at Shiloh Cemetery, in Honey Grove, Texas. Arrangements are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net

Jack D. Thomas

April 14, 1935 - May 12, 2026