William J. Thomas

Obituary

William J. Thomas was born on April 19, 1934 in Dallas County, Alabama to the late Leon Thomas and Marie Thomas Woods. William accepted Christ at an early age at Macedonia Baptist Church in Valley Grande, Alabama (formerly Summerfield, Alabama). He graduated from R. B. Hudson High School in Selma, Alabama.

William was united in holy matrimony to the late Dorothy L. Jefferson Thomas on August 19, 1960 in Selma, Alabama. In 1960, he moved his wife to Detroit, Michigan and they were blessed with three children: Gassenie, Rocky and Demetrius. The family joined Tried Stone Baptist Church.

William had a strong belief in Education. Therefore, he graduated from Radio, Electronic, Television Schools (RETS) in the late 50’s and he co-owned a TV business alongside a disabled Veteran while he worked for General Motors. Given his strong desire to provide for his family, he sold his share of the TV business, so that he could further his education while still working for General Motors. He attended Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn, Michigan where he received his Electrician Diploma and Journeyman Card to work at General Motors. He retired from General Motors after 42 years of service.

One of his famous sayings was “Learn the rules, stay on the team and play in the game.”

William was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy L. Jefferson Thomas; one brother, Lawrence; three sisters, Eunice, Carrie and Betsy Lou; one grandson Robert.

William leaves to cherish his memories: two daughters, Mary Ann and Gassenie (Booker); three sons, Robert (Elizabeth), Rocky (Toya) and Demetrius; three granddaughters, Krystal (Darrius), Ashley and Vanessa; two grandsons, Robert Jr. (Lakeesha) and Jay; two sisters, Emma Lee and Edna Bell (Willie), and one brother Theodore and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.