Gilford "Smooth" Thomas was born January 2, 1957 to his parents who preceded him in death along with two brothers, Garland and Milford Thomas. His mother Lurelean Joshua Thomas made sure he and all his siblings knew the Lord.

Gilford was a member of The Church of Christ in Dallas, TX. He received a vo-tech certificate from Crowley Ridge Tech Institute in Forrest City, AR.

Gilford had a great personality, he was very funny and had a unique way of viewing the world. He had a saying for anything that he thought was "matter of fact", it was "Let that be the reason". If you heard the way he said it before, I know that you can always smile while thinking of him. He was loved by many, all of his family will miss him dearly. He was truly fond of all of his nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Also to cherish his memories are two sisters, Brenda L. Thomas of Marianna, AR and Camillia F. Thomas of Long Beach, CA; seven brothers, Rev. Cecil (Redeen) Thomas of Jonesboro, AR, Stanley (Lenora) Thomas of Dallas, TX, Jerald Thomas of Marianna, AR, Kenneth (Sandra) Thomas of Dallas, TX, Daryl (Kathy) Thomas of Atlanta, GA, Johnny (Nikita) Hulum of Dallas, TX and Dedrick Thomas of Tucoma, WA.

Though he had many friends, these checked on him daily: Tamika Weatherall, Andrea Hope Howard, Lizzie Higgins, Nikita Owens Hulum, Norah Patton and Lee Young.