Willie Lee Thomas Sr

Willie Lee Thomas, Sr. passed away on November 3, 2024, at 87. He was born on May 5, 1937, in Newellton, Louisiana, to Lula and Jessie Thomas, Sr. Willie was the third of ten children and is survived by seven siblings: Mary Garner, Eugene Whittley, Odell Calhoun, Walter Whittley, Leatha Childs, Julia Cook, and Shirley Brown. He was preceded in death by his sister, Eula Henderson, and his brother, Jessie Thomas, Jr.

Willie Lee Thomas, Sr. was married and survived by wife Eva M. (Daniels) Thomas. She and his children survive him: Alice F. Thomas, Rhonda G. Smith, Kenneth Thomas, and Lorena Thomas. He was preceded in death by his son, Willie Lee Thomas, Jr., and his daughter, Sherleata Thomas. Willie's love extended to his grandchildren, Keene, Martel, Bobbie Joe, Rhonda Michele, Leiyoni, and his great-grandchildren, who were the apple of his eye. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, and relatives who held a special place in his heart.

Throughout his life, Willie held various jobs but was primarily known as an auto repair mechanic. He was passionate about customizing cars and trucks, legal drag, and street racing in San Francisco and the greater Bay Area.

One daughter fondly recalled, "I remember Daddy working in a steel factory that burned down. He told our mom, 'Yes, they are going to build it back, but I'm going to open my own business.' This determination led Willie to start his first car repair services in a small apartment garage at the corner of Page and Webster Streets in San Francisco. Later, he and his brother, Walter Whitley, opened a new shop on Market Street called "Thomas Brothers Garage."

In memory of Willie Lee Thomas, Sr., the family respectfully requests that donations be made to Sutter Health CPMC Emergency Department Education Fund (www.cpmcf.org) instead of sending flowers or other gifts. To donate by check, please mail to CPMC Foundation, P.O. Box 7999, San Francisco, CA 94120-7999.