Surrounded by his children, Thomas Preston Latham Jr., a devoted follower of Christ, was healed and passed into eternal rest in the arms of our Lord and Savior at the age of 83 on March 16, 2025, in Autumn Leaves Nursing Home in Winnfield, LA, after a lengthy illness following treatment for pancreatic cancer.

Thomas was born on July 10, 1941, in Converse, LA, to the union of Preston Thomas "Red" Latham Sr. and Ruby Cooper Latham. He was a faithful follower of Christ and devoted elder of The Family Church in Winnfield, LA. He truly loved the Lord, his family, church members, friends, and those whom he met throughout his illness. Elder Thomas was well known for praying for everyone, even during his sickest times. He was devoted to spreading the gospel and winning souls to Christ. Everyone knew that when he said "I love you" he truly meant it.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Ruby; his wife Dian; and one stepson, Larry Gene. Those left to cherish his memory include his three children, Shree Toal (George), Tamara Miles (Jonathan), and Thomas "Tommy" Latham III (Jean); 2 step-children, Lisa Williams (Thomas); 5 grandchildren, Seth Crawford, Shelley Crawford Pleasant, Brooke Latham, Kaci Latham, and Chelsey Miles Kelley; 1 step-grandson, Thomas Williams Jr.; 11 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild; two sisters, Jeanne Franks and Betty Holleman both of Winnfield; a host of nieces and nephews who affectionately referred to him as "Uncle Bill"; and a church family who loved him dearly.

Thomas graduated from Winnfield Senior High School in 1959 where he excelled in sports. He then attended ULM on a football scholarship where he majored in History. He and the mother of their children, Judy, returned to Winnfield to raise their children where he worked as a millwright for many years. He later owned a cross-country trucking company then in his later years worked for Jordan Egg Farm as a mechanic where he grew to love his work family and often spoke of them affectionately.

He will be remembered as a hard-working man who loved the great outdoors. He loved his horses and he loved to hunt but his favorite past time was fishing. Even during the darkest days during his illness, he would perk up at the mention of a fishing trip. Other than worshipping and studying the word of God, fishing was his greatest passion. He would take anyone who was willing to go with him. We will always remember the smiles from every picture taken during those last fishing trips and we appreciate those who made those trips possible.

Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, March 20th, and from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Friday, March 21st at The Family Church in Winnfield, LA. A home-going service will be held at The Family Church on Friday, March 21st at 10 a.m. officiated by Reverends Nathan Newton, Joel Hines, and Mark Green followed by burial at Bolton-Teagle cemetery also in Winnfield.

Pallbearers will be Seth Crawford, Jason Jordan, Caleb Shields, Jaxon Harrell, Hudson Harrell, and Easton Higgs. Honorary pallbearers will be Jonathan Miles and Tommy Latham.

In the words from 2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith," we find peace in knowing that "Pops" now rests in the arms of our Lord and Savior, free from all pain and suffering.

Friends and family may also express condolences online at southernfuneralhome.com.