Miles Calvin “Bee” Thomas, 82

May 20, 1943 – January 16, 2026

Miles Calvin Thomas, lovingly known to most everyone as “Bee,” departed this earthly life on Friday afternoon, January 16, 2026, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, Mississippi, surrounded by the love of his family.

Funeral services honoring the life of Mr. Miles will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Overflow Church, with visitation from 11:00 AM until the time of service. Bro. Clay Pritchett and Bro. Dewayne Vandygriff will officiate. Burial will follow in Blue Mountain Cemetery; however, there will be no graveside service.

Born May 20, 1943, in the Palmer Community, Mr. Miles was the son of the late K. Thomas and Mamie Lee Greer Thomas. He received his education at Palmer School and, on May 8, 1969, was united in marriage to his beloved wife, Martha Louise Vandygriff Thomas, who survives. Together, they planted deep roots in Tippah County, where they raised their only son, Steven, and built a life centered on family, faith, and simplicity.

A hardworking man with a strong work ethic, Mr. Miles spent seventeen dedicated years employed in the frame mill department at Ashley Furniture before retiring. He took pride in honest work and lived contently with the rewards it provided.

A Christian man of quiet strength and simple pleasures, Mr. Miles found his greatest joy in life’s everyday moments. He was happiest piddling around the place on his tractors or truck, fishing or hunting—especially when those moments were shared with his son. Above all, he adored his granddaughter, Chloe, the true apple of his eye. She was his “girl,” and he was her “Papaw,” a bond of love and devotion that neither time nor circumstance could ever diminish.

Mr. Miles was truly as good as they come—steady, kind, and unassuming. He rarely complained, always had something positive to say, and treated everyone he met as a friend. His gentle spirit, content heart, and genuine kindness will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all whose lives he touched.

In addition to his wife, Mrs. Louise, memories will continue to be cherished by one son, Steven Thomas (Toby), and one granddaughter, Chloe Thomas, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Mr. Miles is also preceded in death by four brothers.

Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with Mr. Miles family.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.

~

Visitation

Monday
January 19, 2026
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral

~

Funeral

Monday
January 19, 2026
1:00 PM
Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral