CLAY COUNTY – Most might remember Daryl Thomas as the District 2 supervisor for Clay County or as the first Black lineman hired by West Point Water and Light.
But for his cousin Thomas Lenoir, Thomas was more than a trailblazer in the community. He was a role model for him throughout his childhood.
“He would help you in any way he could,” Lenoir said. “(Whether) it was for advice or help. He was willing to help.
“… He was like a father figure to me,” he added. “Everywhere you saw him (you) must have seen me. … He basically taught me everything (I) know.”
Thomas, 53, passed away unexpectedly Friday at North Mississippi Medical Center in West Point. He was first elected to serve on the Clay County Board of Supervisors in 2024.
Noting Thomas’ contributions to the area through his work on the board and in the utilities department, West Point Mayor Rod Bobo, a childhood friend to Thomas, said he will be greatly missed.
“It’s a tremendous loss,” he said. “Effective leaders are hard to find. And I think although he was early on in his supervisor career, I think that he was effective in the time that he was there. And he had a bright future. … The community will definitely feel his loss.”
Angela Turner-Ford, attorney for the Clay County Board of Supervisors, said the board will discuss appointing someone to fill the vacancy left by Thomas during its March 31 meeting. That appointee will hold the position until a special election is held Nov. 3 to elect a candidate to serve the remainder of Thomas’ term.
Lynn “Don” Horton, District 1 supervisor, said the entire board was shocked to hear of Thomas’ unexpected passing Friday. He said Thomas will be remembered as a supervisor who stood by his values and cared for his community.
“He said what he meant,” Horton said. “ And he was a family man. … He always wanted to do more. … He loved his kids and grandkids. He loved to travel. He was … just the type of guy you wouldn’t mind hanging out with.”
Despite being early in his political career, Horton said he was always impressed by how principled and wise Thomas was on the board.
“He had a lot of knowledge,” Horton said. “… Even though he was new to being a supervisor, his IQ was very high, and he picked (information) up easily. He was a good board member, and he could bring things that would be beneficial to the taxpayers.”
Some of Lenoir’s favorite memories were working with Thomas and his cousins on cars and farm equipment, learning skills he still uses today.
“(He taught me) if you put your mind to it, or if you think about something (and) you really want to do … go full speed ahead,” Lenoir said. “Don’t let anybody deter you from doing it because it’s going to work out in the end.”
Visitation is 3 p.m. Saturday at Northside Christian Church in West Point with funeral services to follow at 4 p.m.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 32 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
