Doyce Julian Thomas, Sr., 85, of Gurley, passed away at home on Saturday, May 21, 2022 after a brave battle with cancer; surrounded by his wife and children.

He was born February 4, 1937 in Gaffney, SC to Howard and Mary Thomas. He moved to Huntsville in 1958, when his father (active duty, Army) was stationed at Redstone Arsenal. Doyce was a member of Brownsboro Baptist Church in Brownsboro.

Doyce proudly served in the United States Air Force. He later joined Huntsville Fire Department in 1961, serving 34 years before retiring as a driver at Station 11.  After retirement, he continued to work odd jobs and worked up until his recent illness. He was a Jack of all Trades. He loved people, life, anything outdoors, gardening, and his tractor.  Meeting Doyce, meant an automatic friendship.  He always had a joke or trick to make everyone laugh and a way of making the day better.

Doyce was a man of honor, loving husband, great father/grandfather, and friend to all that knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Mary Thomas; sister, Audrey Howell; and stepdaughter, Teresa Harris Tweedy.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Betty Thomas (Fergerson); son, Doyce Thomas, Jr. (Patty) of Pinson, AL; daughter, Joyce Thomas of Gurley; sister, Geraldine Baker Henderson of Gaffney, SC; his grandchildren:  Josh Tweedy (Melonia) of OR, Nikki Tweedy Sansoucy (Eddie) of Tampa, FL, Jason Thomas of Pinson and Ryan Thomas (Ashley) of Nolensville, TN.  He is also survived by his dear friend Emily Reiney, several nieces, nephews, and numerous loving friends of all ages.

Visitation will be Tuesday, May 24th from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at Berryhill Funeral Home.  The chapel service will be Wednesday, May 25th at 11:00 AM.  Burial will be in Valhalla Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Central Volunteer Fire Department; P.O. Box 57; Ryland, AL 35767.

Honorary Pallbearers are Tommy Howell, Josh Everett, Michael Reiney, Lon Gibson, Buddy Lamb and Dennis Rousseau.