Derek Gray Thomas

Derek Gray Thomas, age 38, of Murray, Kentucky, formerly of Paducah, Kentucky, passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.   
 Derek was confirmed at St. Thomas More Catholic Church.  He was a 2006 graduate of Heath High School before attending the University of Kentucky.  Derek had an experience that not many people get to have: teaching English to Chinese students over the span of seven years.  He had many hobbies, including fishing, being an avid reader, and being an accomplished cook.   Derek's love of sports included cheering on the Buffalo Bills and attending his siblings’ soccer games. Derek had a deep love for animals, especially his two dogs, “Angus” and “Fin.”
 Survivors include his father, Denton Gray Thomas, and his wife, Christine; his mother, Melissa Ann Elliott Farmer, and her husband, Darrell Farmer, all of Paducah; two sisters, Molly Thomas of Louisville, Kentucky, and Maddie Thomas of Nashville, Tennessee; two brothers, Daniel Thomas of Paducah, and Gabe Thomas of Bowling Green, Kentucky; a nephew, Duncan Gray Thomas and a niece, Hazel Davis Thomas, as well as several uncles, aunts and cousins.
 Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Rev. Basilio Azluc officiating. 
 Visitation will be held on Monday, May 18, 2026, from 12:00 until the service time of 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
 Expressions of sympathy may be made to the McCracken County Humane Society, 4000 Coleman Rd, Paducah, KY 42001.
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