Roy Gregory Thomley

Roy Gregory Thomley passed away on June 13, 2026, at the age of 71. He was born on September 19, 1954, to the late Ralph Fredrick Thomley and Betty Lou Driskell Nelson.

Roy was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kay Thomley, and his grandson, Nathan Frank Tate.

He is survived by his daughter, Melissa Tate and her husband, William; his grandchildren, Shannon Tate and Gatlin Tate; his brother, Randy Thomley and his wife, Dawn; his sister, Cheryl Johnson and her husband, Steve; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will cherish his memory.

Roy was a longtime member and deacon of West End Baptist Church in Selma, where he faithfully served the Lord and his church family. A man of quiet strength, kindness, and dependability, Roy lived his life with a servant’s heart and a willingness to help others whenever he could.

His first job in Selma was with The Selma Times-Journal, where he stuffed newspapers. He later became a familiar and trusted face in the local auto parts business, working for many years in Selma’s auto parts stores before retiring from O’Reilly Auto Parts in 2019. Roy was known not only for his knowledge and experience, but also for the patience, kindness, and genuine care he showed to every person he helped.

Outside of work, Roy enjoyed fishing and spending time with the people he loved most. He especially treasured the time he spent with his grandchildren. Known affectionately as “Papa,” he loved playing softball and baseball with them, cheering them on, and being present for the moments that mattered. He took great joy in watching his grandsons, Nathan and Gatlin, compete in wrestling tournaments, and his granddaughter, Shannon, play softball.

Funeral services will be Friday, June 19, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home with Pastor Robbie Pugh officiating. Interment will follow at Pineview Memory Gardens. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home, prior to the service.

Pallbearers will be Cole Mattox, John Flater, Nathan Ackerman, Jason Free, Jeffrey Mattox and Billy Hamilton.