WILLIE R. THOMAS SR.
Oct. 16, 1922-May 15, 2011
Mr. Willie R. Thomas Sr. was born Oct. 16, 1922, in Dothan, Ala., to the late Louise Norris Thomas and Henry Thomas.
He was a graduate of Dothan Colored High School.
After high school, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he served as a medic in World War II.
Following his military service, he attended Madison Tailoring School, where he received a degree in tailoring.
In 1948, he moved to Newark, N.J., where he later met and married the late Odessa Turner in 1950. Their union produced two children.
He worked and retired from the federal government.
He was baptized in 1964 at the Newark, N.J., Church of Christ, where he served for many years as a Sunday school teacher, and served on the church board.
In 1986, after the passing of his wife, he moved to Dudley, N.C., and also moved his church membership to Walnut Street (Goldsboro) Church of Christ, which eventually moved to Slocumb Street (Goldsboro).
"PaPa," as called by his family, enjoyed being out in his yard, studying his Bible, watching his Washington Redskins, CNN News and discussing politics.
PaPa passed from his earthly domain to his mansion in heaven May 15, 2011.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory a son, Willie R. Thomas, Jr. (Delores) of Dudley, N.C.; a daughter, Deborah Ann Uzzell (Thera) of Goldsboro, N.C.; five grandchildren, Latonia, Willie III, Danyell, Tarri (Jerome) and Thera Jr. (Patricia); three great-grandchildren, Artemis, Amari and Jamiah; a brother, James Thomas of Dothan, Ala.; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
A service of remembrance will be held Friday at noon at Church of Christ.
After which the EM. Matthews angelic white fleet will escort Mr. Thomas's earthen vessel, along with his adored family, to New Spruill Cemetery for committal rites.
The family of Mr. Thomas is receiving services of compassion and distinguished class from E.M. Matthews Funeral Home, where his physical temple is peacefully resting.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on May 19, 2011 1:48 PM