Willie L. Thomas Jr.

On March 29 at 3:00 p.m. Willie departed from this life to his home in Glory.

Willie L. Thomas Jr. was born on April 4, 1945 in McLennan County, Texas to the late Willie Lawyer Thomas Sr. and Ms. Lillian Faye Johnson. Willie was employed by US Food Services as a warehouseman and in 2008 he retired after 40 of service. While in California Willie was a member of West Angeles Church of God in Christ, where the recently retired Charles Blake II was the pastor. Willie was also a special friend of the late Bishop G.E. Patterson.

Willie was a graduate of George Washington Carver High School in Midland, TX where he was known as “Sweet Will” and a “sharp dresser.” He was a member of the prestigious Esquire Club, played drums in the marching band and sang in the choir. He was also voted “Most Popular” his senior year of the graduating class of 1963.

At an early age (the early 50s), Willie united with Macedonia Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of the late Rev. H. F. Doyle. Willie was a part of the congregation that marched from Tyler Street to its present location of 201 S. Carver Street. While at Macedonia, he was part of the Sunshine Band, Children’s Choir, Baptist Training Union and Sunday School. He would also participate in Progressive West Texas District Congress.

A longtime childhood friend, Milburn Sanders Jr. (Sugar Jr.) remembers growing up with Willie. On one occasion they took a trip with their Cub Scout Troop to Sweetwater, TX by train. In their later years, the two were reunited again as Deacons at Macedonia where Willie remained a faithful member until his health declined.

Willie is survived by his wife, Linda (Nix) Thomas, one (1) daughter, Rachel Turner of California and two (2) sons, Anthony Thomas of California and Matthew Thomas of Midland, TX; three (3) grandchildren and one (1) great-granddaughter.

He leaves to cherish three (3) brothers: Frederick Thomas and Michael Thomas, both of Waterloo, IA, and Dale Thomas of Waco, TX; two (2) sisters: Janis Smith and Jacqueline Thomas of Waco, TX; one (1) special aunt, Annie Pearl Johnson of Waco, TX; two (2) special cousins, Belinda Burton(Thomas) of Houston, TX and Glenn Hudspeth(Sara)of Denver, CO; one (1) adopted son, David Williams of Midland, TX; a devoted sister-in-law, Sharon (Francis)Hanson of Anaheim, CA; and three (3) very special extended family members, Erik & Annette (Brandy) Wells-Saur of Mission Viejo, CA and Cavina Wells of Moss Point, MS.; he very best friend who he shared a birthday with Ishmael Broom of Paris Tx.

Willie is preceded in death by his parents, one (1) sister, Gayle Thomas Young and one (1) brother, Richard Thomas.

The family would like to thank special friends, Iris Sanders and Karen Cook, Mr. and Mrs. Leon Bedford (Rosie), Mr. and Mrs. M.J. (Big Papa) Dinkins (Rebecca), and Ms. Angela Williams all of Midland, TX, for their unwavering support the past few years.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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