Isra Berlin

Thames Jr.

It is with mixtures of joy and sorrow that we announce the passing of our husband and father, Isra Berlin (I.B.) Thames to his eternal home in glory. He passed away peacefully on January 17, 2023 in the presence of his family at the age of 91.
I.B. was born and raised in Watson, Louisiana, and he served his country in the Air Force. He married and raised his family in Denham Springs, Louisiana. In 1971 he established NAPA Auto Parts and Supplies in Gramercy. He eventually moved to Pineville, Louisiana where he bought and managed more parts stores in that area.
I.B. enjoyed 30 years of retirement on his hunting paradise in Pollock, Louisiana which was affectionately named Pap's Woods by his grandchildren. He loved his family dearly and had many friends that he loved as well. He was a founding member of Fellowship Chapel in Ball, Louisiana. He recently relocated to Gramercy, Louisiana to be near his children, where he attended First Baptist Church of Gramercy.
He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Betty Burnett Thames, and his beloved children, Timmy Thames (Michelle), Tammy Kinler (Kenny), Terri Heffington (Rex), and Tracy Thames (Tammie). He is also survived by fifteen grandchildren, forty great grandchildren, and siblings Beverly Thames (Henrietta) and Juanita Cowart.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Isra and Celia Thames, sisters, Ida Lee Arbour, Mary Dell Graves, and Elouise Williamson, and his beloved grandson, Mike Thames.
I.B's life reflected his deep love for God and his family. He will always be remembered for his friendly manner and sense of humor which made being around him a cheerful experience. He always had a smile on his face and a song about heaven on his lips. He believed that his "last breath on earth would be his first breath in heaven".
Visitation will be Sunday, January 22, 2023 from 3:00-5:00 pm at Rose Lynn Funeral Home, 1840 Cabanose Avenue, Lutcher, Louisiana. Brother Frank Romero of First Baptist Church of Gramercy will share a devotional at 4:45 pm.
Visitation on Monday, January 23, 2023 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm followed by Funeral Services at 12:00 pm held at Fellowship Chapel, 506 Hwy. 1204, Ball, Louisiana. Burial following at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Ball, LA. The Funeral and Graveside Service will be officiated by Reverend Kenneth Murrell.
The pallbearers are his grandsons: Ken Kinler, Kelly Kinler, Kevin Kinler, Isra Thames, Mike Thames (represented by a blue ribbon), T.J. Thames, Howard Heffington and William Heffington.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to www.sharelovethatsall.com, a mission inspired by I.B.'s grandson's recent battle with cancer, created to share love with anyone who is battling cancer.
To view or sign the online guest book, please visit www.roselynnfuneralhome.com