Willie Thomas, Jr.

Willie Thomas, Jr., was born the 8th child on June 14, 1935, in Boykin, SC to Willie and Addie Thomas. All of his family preceded him in death.

Willie was educated in the South Carolina school system where he graduated high school.

Willie was a simple and quiet man but profound when he did speak. He enjoyed music, playing the guitar, dancing and cooking Sunday dinner.

In June 1956 Willie decided to make the trek from South Carolina and relocate to Brooklyn, NY to improve his quality of life and living, where he resided until 2002. Willie first saw his wife on a Sunday at St. Steven Baptist Church. They would officially meet in Boykin, SC and begin to correspond by mail. Their actual courtship started in 1956 which consisted of Willie going to New Jersey twice a week. In 1960, he was united in holy matrimony to the one true love of his life, Margaret Miller, at the Miracle Baptist Church in Plainfield, NJ, which would be officiated by his wife’s uncle, Reverend David Scott Fowler, with only 3 others in attendance. Willie’s best man, his wife’s maid of honor and his wife’s aunt, Elaine Fowler. That was the beginning of this union of 61 years. To this union 3 children were born, Nancy Lynn, Patti (preceded her father in death) and Mellanie Urica. Willie would then live to see 5 generations.

For many years Willie was a truck driver where he could drive and explore all across the United States. After he retired, Willie decided he needed something more to do and became a school bus driver.

On October 6, 2021, at 8:30 in the evening at Virginia Beach General Hospital in Va. Beach, VA, Willie heard God speak to his spirit and he followed his Master home to Heaven where he would be greeted by his dearly beloved daughter, Patti, his parents and siblings.  

Willie leaves to cherish his memories, his wife Margaret Miller Thomas; two daughters, Nancy Thomas Tyler and Mellanie Thomas-Frazier (Vaughn); grandchildren, Arania Peterson (Jermaine), Alvan Jamir Tyler, Harmanie Thomas (Omarrie), Cortez CJ Jackson, Avery Tyler, Cia’ra Roxy Jackson and Tyree Farrell: great grandchildren, Zahmiek Tyler, Nichelle Peterson, Zaire Peterson, Micah Tyler, Aniya Peterson, Gracie Reyes, Brooklyn Tyler, Ny’asia Peterson, Sol Reyes, Eden Tyler, Zahira Reddix, Miracle Farrell, Essance Artis, Antonio Artis and Heavan Artis; great great grandchildren, Amara’Kionni Harris and Serenity Farrell; goddaughters, Jeannie Andrews, Denise Outlaw and Tanesha Johnson; bonus grandchildren, Camry Branch, Tris'jan Branch, Marquel Gunning, Shelia Burke, Justin Hansberry, Alexandra Burke, Dawn Swanzy, Darrius Stewart, Travis Lillston; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and special friends.