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William THOMAS Obituary
His parents, Mr. William and Mrs. Louise Thomas, preceded him in death.
Survivors include his devoted wife, Dr. Shelia J. Maye Thomas; children, Atty. William Thomas Jr. (Melonie), of Atlanta, Ga.; Kimberly Thomas of Maryland, Meredith Thomas of Atlanta, Ga.; Lewis Maye, III (Kimberly) of Virginia Beach, Va.; and brothers, Atty. Harold Thomas (Ann) and Charles Ester (Delores) of Washington, D.C., and Atty. Morris Thomas of California. Also surviving are his beloved granddaughter, Erin Thomas of Atlanta, Ga., many cherished nieces, nephews, friends; beloved mother-in-law, Flora Jackson and caring brothers and sisters-in-law.
He was an honored member of the state bar of Alabama and the District of Columbia. He was admitted to practice before several United States District Courts, and United States Courts of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of Alabama. Notably, he was the first ever African-American federal prosecutor in the Middle District of Alabama. One of the highlights of his career as a legal civil rights warrior was his service as Regional Civil Rights Director in the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, 1980-1991, an appointment by President Nixon.
Another highlight was the establishment of and operation of two restaurants, Wrinkle Belly's Ribs in Metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia. At the time of his passing, he served as the Executive Director of the Hampton University Community Development Corporation.
Funeral service will be held 11a.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010, at Carver Memorial Presbyterian Church. Interment will follow in the Hampton University Cemetery. Viewing will begin at 1p.m. Friday at the funeral home followed by an Omega Service at 8 p.m.
The family wishes to thank the many good Samaritans who came to his aid and all the family and friends who blessed us with their resources.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Talladega College through the Office of Institutional Advancement, 627 Battle Street West, Talledega, AL 35160; or Hampton University through the Office of Development, Hampton, VA 23668, in the name of Atty. William H. Thomas.
O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the Thomas family. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William THOMAS
October 15, 2010
Sincere condolences to Mr. Thomas' family. He will be missed by many. I am thankful he gave me a solid start to my 37 year government career when I first worked for Office for Civil Rights. We all worked hard and played hard. I learned so much from working for him.
Jane Gresham, Atlanta, GA
Beverly Travis
October 5, 2010
My heart goes out to Bill's family. May your faith sustain you during your time of mourning. Bill was a great friend and welcomed me when I was transferred to Atlanta. He even invited me to enjoy his "Best of all" ribs in East Point. He will be missed.
Beverly Buck Travis
September 29, 2010
Offering my condolences doing this difficult time.
Cornelius Williams (Sonny)
Westland, MI
[email protected]
Kimberly Thomas
September 21, 2010
Mr. William H. Thomas was and still is a wonderful father to us. I will always carry fond memories of my dad and he will always be my best friend.
With all my Love
Kim
September 17, 2010
I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Dr. William Thomas. When I learned of his passing my feeling of profound sympathy went out to you and your family. I offer you and your family sympathy and comfort in your bereavement. I hope gentle peace comes to the hearts of all affected by his passing and that comfort comes to the home of each relative and friend.
Laron Clark, Jr. Hampton, VA
Karon Shields
September 16, 2010
Dr. Thomas blessed our business, Covenant Care, from the moment we met last January. Since that time, Dr. Thomas has mentored me in making correct decisions and boosted me when things are rough. I will forever carry the memory of him with many of his memoriable stories he shared with me throughout this past year and thank God for blessing me with such an honorable and good friend. Covenant Care sends prayers and condolences to Mrs. Thomas and the entire family he often spoke of and will always be there in their time of need when they choose to call upon us.
O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home
September 16, 2010
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Glynis Davis
September 16, 2010
It is amazing how one person can impact so many lives. To me he will always be my entertaining Uncle Wrink, devoted & loving father, and a wonderful host whose door was always open. He created many beautiful memories for his family and will truly be missed. All of you are in my thoughts today, tomorrow and whenever you need me. ~ Glynis
altonia walker
September 16, 2010
Wonderful memories have been shared with me by friends from the Atlanta area, your father was well thought of for his wonderful humor and long stories, the great Bar B que and his love for you. I am sorry we cannot be with you at this time but you are all in my prayers. Toni W
September 16, 2010
Heartfelt prayers and sympathy are with the family as you grieve your loss. Not only was Bill a golfing partner but a mentor and a good friend. I will cherish fond memories of our relationship. Sam White, Fort Wayne, IN.
Ike Jones
September 13, 2010
He was my good friend, and I am missing him already. I pray God gives him green faiways, and favorable pin placement at the Heavens Golf Club.
Dr. Maye, our prayers for you are that God gives you favor, and comfort.Bill often told me how much he loved you.
Bill & Dorothy Day
September 13, 2010
We will always cherish the fond memories that the Thomas and Day families shared over the years. The home visitations, cookouts,cultural and social affairs,family trips and years of season ticket holders for the Atlanta Falcons.
Peace & Blessings!
September 13, 2010
You are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you. Aunt Roberta and Aunt Virginia
ramona irving
September 13, 2010
he was such a great cousin and we will miss him always. love,Ramona
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