Mr.Thomas Ray Straughan, a devoted educator, beloved husband, and steadfast community servant, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2025, at the age of 89. Born on August 18, 1935, in Delhi, Louisiana, he moved to Winnfield as a young boy, where he would spend the restof his life dedicated to his family, students, and neighbors.

Thomas was preceded in death by his beloved son Steve Straughan and daughter Stacey Gardner; his parents, Beatrice and Howard Straughan; and his sister, Margaret Tarver, and her husband, Harold Tarver.

He is survived by his loving wife, Reggie Lou Straughan; his daughter, Susan Carter (Buck): daughter-in-law Catherine Straughan; granddaughter Brittany Gardner; son-in-law Mike Gardner; grandchildren Lance Gardner (Mallorie), Kyle Carter (Kate Carter), Andrew Straughan, Eli Straughan, and Meredith Straughan; great-grandchildren John William Carter, Jack Henry Carter, Macy Hemphill, Jake Hemphíll, Cooper Gardner, Georgia Gardner, and Madelyn Gardner; and one great-great-grandchild, Whitleigh Hemphill. His family was the joy of his life, and his legacy lives on in their hearts.

A proud graduate of Winnfield High School in 1953, Thomas earned his bachelor's degree from Northwestern State University in 1956 and later returned to obtain his master's degree in 1964. He poured his heart into shaping young lives as a teacher and football coach at Winnfield Junior High School from 1956 to 1964. He was named Head Coach of the Year during the school's inaugural football season, a testament to his leadership and passion for mentoring youth.

Thomas's influence extended far beyond the clasroom. He was deeply committed to his community, serving in roles such as member of the Rotary Club, advisory committee member for the Huey P. Long Technical School, and director of the Winn Parish Youth Program. In 1994, he was honored as Winn Parish Citizen of the Year, a recognition befitting his vears of faithful service. He also served on the Board of Trustees for the Winn Parish Medical Center, always striving to make a positive difference.

Thomas was a man of deep faith and simple pleasures. He loved spending time outdoors, especially turkey hunting, and was happiest when surrounded by his family. He had a lifelong love of sports-watching them, discussing them, and coaching them--and he never stopped searching for truth and wisdom in his Bible. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Winnfield, where he faithfully served in the Senior Adult Sunday School class and attended for many years.

The family will receive friends at First Baptist Church of Winnfield on Friday, June 27, 2025 from noon until time of services.

Funeral Services will be held in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church with Dr. Jerry Pipes officiating. Interment will follow the services in Garden of Memories of Winnfield.

Serving the family as pallbearers are his grandsons Lance, Kyle, Cooper, Andrew, Jake, Eli, Jack Henry, and John William.  Honorary pallbearers will be Tommy Bankston, Don Causey, Charlie Jackson, Mickey Simmons, David Griffin, Don Kelley, and Dickey Heard.

Online condolences to the family may be made at www.southernfuneralhome.com