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DATELINE: Blacksburg, South Carolina
William Samuel Thomas
William Samuel Thomas, born November 2, 1944, in Greer, South Carolina, left for his eternal home August 29, 2025. He lived most of his life on Lake Keowee, with the love of his life, Jo Hazelhurst.
He was the son of the late Eugene and Margaret Thomas.
His memory will live on through those who miss him. His only son William Tracy Thomas was by his side till the end.
He was affectionately known as PT (Papa Thomas) to grandchildren Brittany Cox, Brandon Thomas, and Cameron Thomas. He is also survived by his loving sister, Rose Owens.
After serving honorably in the US Air Force, he pursued multiple successful- and often unrelated careers. He was a car buyer, and salesman for several dealerships throughout the years, and later spent several years driving a truck seeing much of the country. There wasn’t much he couldn’t fix. Hit-and-miss motors, old cars, and unsolvable electrical problems were welcome challenges for him.
Bootlegger, as he was known to Tracy and Jo, always had a passion for animals of any kind. From dogs to birds to monkeys…. he had a few of everything through the years. After becoming a widower, he enjoyed traveling to Florida for winters and spending time with his many friends. Among his dearest were Greg Tinsley and Thomas Courtney, who were like sons to him.
In the latter part of his life, he valued and immersed himself in fatherhood the most. He loved, protected, and defended fiercely. He shared generously and was always the one who showed up in a crisis to weather the storm.
Among a few who live lives full of wisdom and rare knowledge was William (Bill) Thomas. His words of wisdom mixed with a healthy sense of humor could carry anyone. His constant presence will be missed terribly by those who cherished him.
We could easily write more: But as he would say, “It's too much sugar for a nickel!”
GUEST REGISTER AVAILABLE AT WWW.HARRISFUNERALS.COM
ARRANGEMENTS: HARRIS FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, KINGS MOUNTAIN, NORTH CAROLINA
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
108 South Piedmont Ave., Kings Mountain, NC 28086
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
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