Willie R. Thomas Sr.

Willie R. Thomas Sr. of Ettrick, departed this life Thursday, Nov. 27, 2008, at McGuire Veterans Medical Center. He was born May 26, 1933, to the late Willie Thomas and the late Lucretia Wilson Thomas in Littig, Texas.

Mr. Thomas graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Elgin, Texas, in 1952. He attended Prairie View A&M College and graduated from Chapman College with a B.A. in Business Administration/Economics.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army in November 1954, and married the former Pearlie Mae Brown on Jan.15, 1955.

During his long and successful military career, Mr. Thomas rose to the rank of chief warrant officer, senior grade, CW-3 and traveled extensively throughout the United States, Germany, France and Vietnam, where he served two combat tours. He earned many commendations, awards and decorations during his distinguished service in the Army, including the Meritorious Service Medal, three Army Commendation Medals and three Bronze Star Medals.

After retiring from military service in 1975, he worked as a civilian for the Headquarters Defense Commissary Agency, U.S. Department of Defense at Fort Lee where he received additional commendations and awards. He retired from the Agency in Sept. 1995.

Following retirement from civil service, he devoted several years to making prize-winning Texas barbecue as the owner of Thomas' Bar-B-Q in Ettrick. He was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. and was raised as a Master Mason in Mt. Nebo #43 in Petersburg. He was also a member of the Benedict Civic Club Inc., and past member of the Chesterfield County Camp Baker Board of Directors.

An avid athlete since childhood, sports was an integral part of Mr. Thomas' life. He served as a football, basketball and baseball coach for the Ettrick Youth Sports Association (EYSA) and also served as the association's third and seventh president. Working with the Chesterfield County Department of Parks and Recreation, he expanded and improved the amenities at Ettrick Park and also established an annual festival for the community at the park.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, L.D Thomas and Roy Dale Thomas.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife of 53 years, Mrs. Pearlie M. Thomas of Ettrick; one son, Will R. Thomas II and daughter-in-law, Erica Nash-Thomas of Springdale, Md.; one sister, Louise Thomas Green of Los Angeles; a sister- and brother-in-law, Geneva and Haywood McNeil of Austin, Texas; brother-in-law Clifford Brown of Houston; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m.Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008 at the Tabernacle Baptist Church, 418 Halifax St., Petersburg, with the Rev. Dr. Robert A. Diggs Sr., pastor, officiating. Interment with full Military Honors in the Arlington National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 6:30- 7:30 p.m. at the Chapel of the JM Wilkerson Funeral Establishment where the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity will also conduct their Omega Service.

The family will also receive friends at the residence and may also be contacted by calling  (804) 526-4028.

Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Mr. Thomas online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com  where you may view a video tribute online or at the establishment.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of the J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, Va., (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.