William Thomas

1935 - 2021

William (Billy) Thomas
Honoring the Life of William (Billy) Thomas
Mr. William Thomas Jr. died peacefully at his home on May 23, 2021 at the age of 85.
He is survived by his children Cynthia, Carmen, Gina, Mabel, Angelia, DinitaJo, Angela, and Daniel; and his grandchildren Aminah, Robert Jr., Alexa, Mya Rose, and Kayden. He is also survived by his final partner Rosalina. His surviving nieces and nephews are Robin, Frances, Norma, Harrison and Kevin.
He is preceded in death by his dear sister Francis, his dear wife Rosemarie, his niece Paulette, and his nephew Kortez.
William was born on July 4th, 1935 to Hazel Braden and William Thomas Sr. After graduating from high school, he married his high school sweetheart, Rosemarie Garnett of Newton, Kansas.
They moved to Salina, Kansas and he joined the U.S. Air Force. While in the U.S. Air Force, he traveled extensively worldwide as an aircraft mechanic. He quickly rose to the rank of Staff Sargeant, becoming the youngest African American at Schilling AFB in that position.
After his military service, he opened a successful office cleaning and supply business employing up to 10 full-time workers. He later switched careers and with government contracts, opened a Custodial Maintenance training institute in Colorado. He was an accomplished presenter and often facilitated classes on the Custodial Maintenance business. Later, he wrote and published a series of manuals on the custodial maintenance business.
William spent the final 30 years of his life in the Bay Area of California. He managed to spend time with his younger children, work full-time, develop maintenance supply products, and mentor younger people on navigating life safely and successfully as a minority.
His children remember him as a hard-working and loving parent who encouraged them to pursue their goals.
Most people called him Bill, Billy. or Tom. He loved jazz music, cooking, picnics at the park with his family, people-watching at the Berkeley Marina and boxing. He grew to love God in his later years and attended church services with his family.
The family would like to thank his caregivers and hospital staff for their efforts during his illness.
Viewing and funeral service will be held at Vaca Hill Chapel, 524 Elmira Rd., Vacaville, CA 95678. Viewing: June 17, 2021, from 5:00PM to 8:00PM Pacific Time. Funeral Service: June 18th, 2021, from 10:00aAM to 12:00PM Pacific Time.
Please email condolences and requests for additional information to: williamthomasmemorial2021@gmail,com
Visit his Memorial Webpage:
https://www.lastingmemories.com/memorial/william-tom-thomas