William J. Thomas

William John Thomas was born on Sept 6, 1948 and passed away Aug. 25, 2021.  He was the son of Charles and Beatrice Thomas.  He was one of 7 children with siblings Chuck, Tim, Carol, Eugene, Philip and Phylis.  He graduated from Lapeer high school in 1966 where he played basketball.

He was an avid sportsperson.  He loved trout fishing and cherished the beauty of the brook trout.  He was a champion racquetball player, loved playing basketball, pitched fastpitch softball and was an occasional pugilist for several years in his younger days.  He had a love hate relationship with golf and helped the golf industry by breaking numerous clubs over his knee and pitching several clubs in lakes throughout his playing years. 

Bill was a consummate salesperson and worked at several dealerships throughout Genesee county but spent most of his career at Hank Graff Chevrolet in Davison.  He valued his co-workers and the enjoyed the Hank Graff community.

Bill married Sherry Thomas on Sept. 17, 1966 and they were married for 54 years prior to his passing.  They had two children in William Jr. and Matthew.  He was a proud father, grandfather and great grandfather.  He loved watching his children and grandchildren participating in all of their activities but since he was a sports person he reveled in attending and talking about the sporting achievements whether it be football, wrestling or baseball.  If his children or grandchildren were involved he would be there cheering them on. 

Bill would say most importantly he was a Christian.  If you worked with or spent much time with Bill it wouldn’t be long before he steered the conversation in that direction.  He cared about people and wanted to make sure they were baptized and in Christ. 

Bill is survived by his wife Sherry Thomas; sons, William(Wendy) and Matthew(Tami);  grandchildren, Rachele Gebre, Brandi Thomas, Aleah Price, Davis Price, Ella Thomas, Tyler Thomas(Sarah), Trevor Thomas(JoLynn), and Tanner Thomas;  great grandchildren, Diamond Andino, Sammy Gebre and Juliette Gebre;  father, Charles Thomas; and siblings, Chuck(Rita) Thomas, Carol Thomas, Eugene Thomas, Phillip(Lori) Thomas, Phyllis(Scott) Youry. 

He was preceded in death and is currently celebrating with his mother Beatrice Thomas and brother Tim Thomas.

We would like to thank April McFall and Ashley Ledford for their love and support while Bill was in his last days.

Although he requested we don’t claim the body or throw it by the side of the road he has been cremated and we will be having a celebration of life at Bristol Road Church of Christ on Sept. 18 2021 at 3pm.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.