Wilford Lee Thames

Wilford Lee Thames, a cherished Father known for his humble spirit and ever flowing kindness, left us on Oct 7, 2024, after a long and fulfilling life of 90 years. He died at the home he shared with his daughter for the last seven years ,surrounded by family who loved him deeply.

Wilford was born in Monticello, Mississippi to Hollis and Audrey Thames and was one of six children. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters; Helen Jo, Lora and Billie Jean and by the love of his Life, his wife Sue of 63 years.

Wilford and his wife, Sue lived a blessed and adventurous life all over the world. Coming from a small town, Wilford joined the Army right out of high school, where his aptitude and bright mind was recognized very early. The army moved him immediately into the Signal School and trained him in communications and electronics. After the Army and service in the Korean War, Wilford continued his studies in Electrical Technology, and he began a long and successful  career as an Electrical Engineer with Western Electric. Because of his incredible mind, his steady demeanor and strong work ethic, his company awarded him with highly sought after assignments, held for only the best and brightest. Those job opportunities sent Wilford and Sue from their small town to living and working all over the world; from a tropical island in the Pacific to an idyllic town in the Netherlands and many, many places in between. During Wilford’s career he worked under many contracts with the Dept of Defense as a Test director for anti-ballistic missile defense systems that put him at some of the western world’s most cutting edge, state of the art facilities such as Kwajalein atoll missile base, Nekoma anti-ballistic defense base, and White Sands missile base. After his defense career, Wilford moved to telephone switching systems and worked in the states and all over Europe.

Although professionally Wilford led an extremely successful life that made his extended family incredibly proud, his greatest achievement was the love and care he showered on his wife and family. His loving devotion to Sue was admired by all those around them. He was described by friends and family as fiercely loving, resilient, humble and unassuming. He continuously gave of himself to ensure that those he cherished were taken care of and felt loved and safe. He epitomized Proverbs 3:3-4: “Let Love and Faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.”

Wilford leaves behind his three children , Phil Thames(Connie), Todd Thames(Monica) and Dedra Chamberlain(Todd). His grandson Hayden, and granddaughters; Kelly, Meagan, and Kassidy and great grandchildren; Austin and Cheyanne. He also leaves behind his little brother Larry Thames(Connie) and baby sister Judy Alexander(Pat). A beloved sister-in-law, Sandra Hedgepeth(Carey) and numerous nieces, nephews and other family and friends that loved and respected him deeply.

The family would like to thank Trellis Hospice Care and the many nurses and loving CNAs who helped during his last weeks, Faith and Lesa who were with him most. We would also like to thank our dear friends and neighbors who were so amazing and supportive during this time, and we know each of you loved him dearly.

There will be private services held by his family both here and in his hometown. In lieu of flowers we ask that you contribute to Trellis Hospice or West Side Baptist Church.