Bill R. Thomas CPA

Longtime resident of Dallas Bill R. Thomas, C.P.A. passed away on January 21, 2015. He was born December 19, 1931 in Dawson Springs, Kentucky to Otho E. and Edith (Bell) Thomas. His upbringing in the bucolic Kentucky countryside instilled in him his great and enduring love for the outdoors and its natural beauty. He was an avid sportsman and nature conservationist his entire life. He practiced accounting for more than fifty years and his firm will continue to operate as it has for the last three decades in the same location. Prior to opening his own CPA firm with his sons, Michael and Kenneth, Bill was a partner with one of the “Big 8” firms, and a principal partner in two subsequent successful practices. He cared for his clients and had lasting professional relationships spanning decades. Although he spent his professional life in the confines of the city limits, his weekends were spent enjoying the tranquility of his ranch in North Texas. He took great pride in his home in the country.

Bill graduated with degrees in Accounting and Geology from the University of Kentucky and became an expert auditor in the oil and gas industry. He served in the Air Force with the rank of Captain in the Strategic Air Command on the B47 bomber crew. He volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America as a troop leader and was extremely proud to witness both his sons achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, a designation he also held. He belonged to the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants, the Dallas Chapter of Certified Public Accountants and the Hella Temple as a 32 degree Scottish Rite Mason. He served as President of the Dallas Chapter of the Financial Executive Institute in 1977. He was a member of the Dallas Petroleum Club for several years. Close to his heart were the Shriners philanthropies, especially the children’s hospitals, which he supported. In later years he wrote books based on his youth in Kentucky.

Bill leaves behind an extensive legacy of service to others and will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him personally and professionally, especially his family. His accounting practice will continue to operate to serve his clients at the same location and contact numbers.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years Carolina Nieto, son Kenneth and daughter Angelique, son-in-law Lee C. Reagor M.D. and dearly loved granddaughters Carolina, Jacqueline and Olivia. His extended family, sisters in law Delma Bradford ,El Paso, Minerva Cadena, Dallas, Blanca Rosenheim and Tony Nieto, San Antonio, Joe Lovell, Dawson Springs, KY, and nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Loretta Lovell and his oldest son Michael L. Thomas.

A memorial mass will be held in the North Mausoleum Chapel at Calvary Hill Cemetery at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, February 10, 2015. An internment will take place following the service. A reception will be held at Calvary Hill Funeral Home after the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the American Heart Association and the Shriners Hospitals for Children.