William Corley Thomas Sr., age 98, of Shreveport, Louisiana passed away peacefully, on Friday, October 16, 2020 in his home. William was born April 15, 1922 in Homer, Louisiana to Zudie Broncho Prather Thomas and William Oliver Thomas and grew up in the oil fields of Homer, Louisiana.
William served in the United States Army during WW II with the United States Engineers for 36 months where he received the American Theater Campaign Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal.
He was a quiet, serious man with a kind, generous and humble spirit. He worked as a accountant for several construction companies for many years before he retired. He was a member of the Ingleside Baptist Church since 1946 and remained a member until they closed their doors. Afterward he became a member of the Kingston Road Baptist Church. William faithfully taught Sunday School at a local nursing home, where he gave out chocolate kisses each week. He always had encouraging words of wisdom to share and was continually encouraging everyone he knew to “Trust in the Good Lord.” To his children he was a man always willing to help and care for their needs. To his grandchildren, “Pawpaw knew everything” and was the greatest example of what a Godly man should be. To his great grandchildren he was a source of joy and entertainment, always ready with a witty word about the world and a quick reminder that they should always love and follow Jesus. Throughout his life he always seemed to care for the people in his community tutoring many neighborhood kids in Algebra when they needed assistance. He enjoyed reading his bible, sharing his faith, working in his garden and visiting with his family. He loved to watch the teachings of his favorite pastors on TV and, like every good southern gentleman, he enjoyed watching the Arkansas Razorbacks and LSU play football on Saturdays.
William was one of those rare men who lived a life that should be imitated. He did not seek the favor of man nor the riches of the world. He lived for the approval of God and the affection of his family. Surely, he will be remembered by anyone who met him as a great man of God, who was wise and feared the Lord. He lived his whole life as an example of the saving grace of Jesus Christ. In everything he said and did he sought to bring glory to God and his hope was firmly grounded in the holy scripture. His family grieves his earthly absence but celebrates the many wonderful years of wisdom and memories with him. There is joy in the certainty they have that they will see him again in heaven where there is no doubt William will hear the words “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
William is survived by daughters Margaret Kincaid of Bellaire, Texas, and Karen West of Shreveport, Louisiana; son Billy Thomas of Shreveport, Louisiana; granddaughters Rebecca Smith (Trevis), and Elizabeth Kincaid-Soto (Luis); grandsons John Michael Kincaid (Bailey), Thomas Francis Kincaid (Maria), and Richard Edward Kincaid (Alicia); great grandchildren Claire Smith, Jorden Smith, Avery Smith, Micah Smith, Hayden Kincaid, Camden Kincaid, Greyson Kincaid, Lexi Farrell and Jake Farrell. William is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.
William was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years Doris Byers Thomas; father William Oliver Thomas and mother Zudie Brocho Prather Thomas; brothers John Boyd Thomas, Marlin Ray Thomas, and Doyle Thomas; sister Dolly Perryman; father-in-law, and sisters-in-law.
A graveside service for William will be held Thursday, November 5, 2020 from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 7970 Mike Clark Rd, Keithville, Louisiana 71047. Serving as pallbearers are John Kincaid, Thomas Kincaid, Richard Kincaid, Mike Thomas, Clinton Wheeler, Timmy Thomas. Honorary Pallbearers are Richard Speakes, Daniel Speakes, Leroy Chanler, Hayden Kincaid and Jay Boyce.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in William's memory may be made to Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana, 2307 Texas Ave, Shreveport, Louisiana 71103 US and Louisiana Baptist Children's Home, P.O. Box 4196, Monroe, Louisiana 71211 US.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CenturiesMemorialFH.com for the Thomas Sr. Family.
