William (Billy) Thomas
Honoring the Life of William (Billy)
Thomas
Mr. William Thomas Jr. died peacefully
at his home on May 23, 2021 at the age of 85.
He is survived by his children Cynthia,
Carmen, Gina, Mabel, Angelia, DinitaJo, Angela, and Daniel; and his
grandchildren Aminah, Robert Jr., Alexa, Mya Rose, and Kayden. He is
also survived by his final partner Rosalina. His surviving nieces and
nephews are Robin, Frances, Norma, Harrison and Kevin.
He is preceded in death by his dear
sister Francis, his dear wife Rosemarie, his niece Paulette, and his
nephew Kortez.
William was born on July 4th, 1935 to
Hazel Braden and William Thomas Sr. After graduating from high
school, he married his high school sweetheart, Rosemarie Garnett of
Newton, Kansas.
They moved to Salina, Kansas and he
joined the U.S. Air Force. While in the U.S. Air Force, he traveled
extensively worldwide as an aircraft mechanic. He quickly rose to the
rank of Staff Sargeant, becoming the youngest African American at
Schilling AFB in that position.
After his military service, he opened a
successful office cleaning and supply business employing up to 10
full-time workers. He later switched careers and with government
contracts, opened a Custodial Maintenance training institute in
Colorado. He was an accomplished presenter and often facilitated
classes on the Custodial Maintenance business. Later, he wrote and
published a series of manuals on the custodial maintenance business.
William spent the final 30 years of his
life in the Bay Area of California. He managed to spend time with his
younger children, work full-time, develop maintenance supply
products, and mentor younger people on navigating life safely and
successfully as a minority.
His children remember him as a
hard-working and loving parent who encouraged them to pursue their
goals.
Most people called him Bill, Billy. or
Tom. He loved jazz music, cooking, picnics at the park with his
family, people-watching at the Berkeley Marina and boxing. He grew to
love God in his later years and attended church services with his
family.
The family would like to thank his
caregivers and hospital staff for their efforts during his illness.
Viewing and funeral service will be
held at Vaca Hill Chapel, 524 Elmira Rd., Vacaville, CA 95678.
Viewing: June 17, 2021, from 5:00PM to 8:00PM Pacific Time. Funeral
Service: June 18th, 2021, from 10:00aAM to 12:00PM Pacific Time.
Please email condolences and requests
for additional information to: williamthomasmemorial2021@gmail,com
Visit his Memorial Webpage:
https://www.lastingmemories.com/memorial/william-tom-thomas
1935 - 2021 (85 years)