Billy Joe Thomas

Billy Joe Thomas, age 93, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, and is in heaven with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was born on October 27, 1932. One of ten children, Bill grew up with humble beginnings, learning the value of hard work at an early age. Through determination, vision, and an entrepreneurial spirit, he went on to become a very successful businessman and respected member of his community.

Bill was known for his ability to turn ideas into opportunities. Throughout his life, he owned and operated several businesses and pursued many successful ventures. In 1968, he moved his family from Oklahoma City to purchase his first car dealership in Woodward Oklahoma. Over the years, he expanded his work to include multiple car dealerships, a motorcycle dealership, and a tractor dealership. He also managed the Woodward Airport and proudly earned his pilot's license.

In his younger years, Bill was a race car driver, competing in drag racing and helping pioneer alcohol fueled engines in dragsters. His racing achievements included earning a place among the Top Ten in Hot Rod magazine's national rankings.

Bill lived life with enthusiasm. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and anything outdoors. He loved working in his yard and took pride in keeping it immaculate. Gardening, feeding birds and deer, or just sitting on the porch with his dog Jo brought him joy. He also enjoyed rebuilding cars, tinkering in the garage, and an occasional trip to the lake. He always looked forward to annual snow skiing trips and summer vacations with his family.

Bill met the love of his life, Mary, at a skating rink in 1952, and the two shared 73 wonderful years of marriage together before her recent passing. He was a devoted fan of the Oklahoma Sooners and proudly held lifetime football season tickets as a loyal OU supporter. He also served many years as a deacon at the First Baptist Church of Woodward.

He will be remembered as a hardworking man with an adventurous spirit, and as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who deeply cherished his family.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 73 years; his mother and father Nora and Walter Thomas, and nine siblings: Lucille, Paul, Leroy, Louise, Jenevia "Jena", Marjorie, Shirley, Wanda, and Bobby.

He is survived by his son, Mark Wayne Thomas and wife Jennifer; and his daughter, Julie Thomas-Pinkston and husband Ted. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Lyndon Thomas and fiancée Cecilia Branche, Lacy Koch and husband Greg, Trevor Pinkston, Jada Pinkston, and Trey Pinkston; his great-grandchildren, Tyler Koch and Brandt Koch, and his brother-in-law Joe Floyd.

Bill's life was one marked by hard work, adventure, and deep love for his family. His legacy will live on in the many lives he touched, and the memories shared by those who knew and loved him.