Willie Lee Thomas

1959 - 2023

BORN

1959

DIED

2023

FUNERAL HOME

Sunset Northwest Funeral Home

6321 Bandera Road

San Antonio, Texas

Willie Thomas Obituary

Name: Memorial service for Willie Lee Thomas
Start: 2023-03-18T21:00:00.000Z
Location: Sunset Northwest Funeral Home

Willie Lee Thomas
September 29, 1953 - March 4, 2023
Willie Lee Thomas age 69 of San Antonio, Texas passed away unexpectedly at home on Saturday, March 4, 2023.
Willie was a husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and uncle. His hobbies included being a Master Gardener, a world traveler, a prolific fisherman, an ardent player of cards and dominos, listening to music, and of course following his favorite baseball team, the St. Louis Cardinals.
Willie was known for his consistency, stability and his unwavering commitment to his family. He was an accomplished man in his career, but his greatest joy were his grandchildren. Throughout his lifetime, Willie was a role model that inspired others to do and be the best they could. His intelligence and no-nonsense demeanor had a profound and lasting effect on those who met him.
He was born in Hallsville, Harrison County, Texas on September 29, 1953 to Hermit Thomas and Gertie Willis. He was the youngest of nine children with two surviving siblings, Paul Thomas and sister, Nadine Bowen. Willie is predeceased by his mother, father and 6 siblings.
Willie attended Hallsville High School, UT in Arlington, and UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry. Willie had a long career, first at UPS, and then served 20 years as Human Resources Director at USAA. During his retirement he went on to substitute for many years at HISD, SWISD, where he mentored countless students with a true passion for serving his community.
Willie married the love of his life, Mary, on December 24, 1980. And is survived by his children Rene Arispe, Kelly Riojas (Will Hernden/partner), Monica West and Kevin Thomas. His grandchildren are Sofia West, Abigail West and Ian Riojas.
A Memorial Service will be held in his honor on Saturday, March 18th at 4:00 p.m. at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home 6321 Bandera Road, San Antonio, Texas 78238
Following the Memorial Service, the Thomas family will be receiving friends and relatives at Braun Station West Clubhouse, 8630 Tezel Rd San Antonio, Texas 78254.
In lieu of flowers, a Memorial Gift can be made to the American Diabetes Association https:\\wwwdiabetes.org\

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Antonio Express-News on Mar. 12, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Willie Thomas

Sponsored by Sunset Northwest Funeral Home.

4 Entries

Diana (Hondo)

December 19, 2024

Mary and your Loving Family,

I pray each of you are in the best of health. Mary, can you believe how our time has passed us so quickly since the loss of our spouses? Our lives have changed overnight and everyday I lean hard on our God to get me through the day with peace and comfort. I miss my Viejo so much. Especially through the holidays as he so loved. He was our Santa and now he is our Angel holding onto us until we all are united. I miss his voice as he sings music of our era and playing the guitar. I pray that you and your family are finding comfort and peace as the days go by. I can now say, as I walk my journey, I am living life in the present. May God bring you light and healing. Merry Christmas!!!

Diana

March 6, 2024

Mary and Family;

It is a year plus days we both lost the best gifts God gave us (our spouses) to have what we cherish today, "Our children". It is so raw and difficult to carry through this journey. And it is our children's everyday living that get through the days ahead. Grief is a powerful emotional ride you can not share but we can share comfort. I pray Mary, you are finding peace and comfort as we live daily. Take self care and know we can not do this alone with God's hand over us.

Respectfully,
Diana (Hondo)

Diana Medina

May 2, 2023

Mary and your loving family, I come to learn the passing of your Willie. It is with a heavy heart that I am walking with you as Grieving Wives. I lost Alejandro, (HONDO) the day before, March 3, 2023.

I struggle with the fact, two great men are gone too soon and it wasn't suppose to happen. My love pours over you with deep sorrow and I share with you, we may not understand the whys? but we need to believe he will take us by the hand and carry us through this journey.

I am forever grateful for Willie's trust and loyalty to my working for him at USAA. He guided me through many journeys with strive and belief. Thank you Willie .
Blessings to you Mary and your entire family.
With Love
Diana Medina,

Doreen Zepeda

March 14, 2023

Based on a special assignment between the USAA Training Department and HR Employment, I had the opportunity to work with Willie. Years later he came to my rescue when I had a flat tire in front of his home. Nice gentleman. Gone too soon. My sympathy to Willie's family during this difficult time.