Obituary of Willie B. Thomas

Linden, NJ: Willie B. Thomas, 59, of Linden NJ, lived courageously with pancreatic cancer until February 7, 2015, he was surrounded by his family and friends at Hackensack University Medical Center. Friends may call from 11 a.m. – 1p.m. at New Life Outreach Christian Church, 103 William Street in Lyons, NY. Immediately following, there will be a Celebration of Life service. Willie B. Thomas, the 2nd oldest of 12 children, was born May 20, 1955 in Cocoa, Florida to Willie B. Thomas Sr. & Rose Lee (Wynn) Thomas (pre-deceased). He graduated from North-Rose Wolcott High School in 1974, and went on to attend the Community College of the Finger Lakes in Canandaigua, NY. In August 1975 he met Martha Wright and they married on May 2, 1987 in Elmira, New York. To this union two children were born. Willie B. was employed in the maintenance field and genuinely enjoyed working, prided himself on always being on time, and continued to do so while going through aggressive treatment for his pancreatic cancer until 2014. He also enjoyed cars (Cadillac’s), taking drives at a slow speed so everyone could see him and his recently waxed car, cooking, gardening, music, singing, “dressing to the tee”, “shooting the breeze” and spending time with his family. Willie B. was a loving father, husband, grandfather “papa” and friend to all. Willie B. Thomas is survived by his loving wife Martha of 28 years; 3 daughters: Stephanie Thomas of Roselle Park, NJ; Stacey and Felicia Williams both of Rochester, NY. 2 sons: William Thomas of Linden, NJ and Lawrence Thomas of Geneva, NY. 2 Grandchildren: Naseem Caldwell of Roselle Park, NJ and Jaelin Henry of Rochester, NY. Father: Willie B. Thomas Sr., 7 sisters: Sharon Thomas (pre-deceased); Karen Williams (pre-deceased); Diane Martin (Cleve); Faye Thomas (Benny) both of Sodus, NY; Lisa Thomas of Ithaca, NY; Precious Thompkins (Danny) of Canandaigua, NY; Debra Thomas of Georgia. 4 brothers: Charles and Rex Thomas both of Elmira, NY; Michael Thomas of Newark, NY; Corey Hall of Elmira, NY; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. Dad you will always be our hero and will be truly missed by all. Memorial donations may be made in memory of Willie B. Thomas to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network by the following: Phone: 1-877-272-6226; Online: https://www.pancan.org/ways-to-give/ or via mail to; Pancreatic Cancer Network, 1500 Rosecrans Ave, Ste 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266. Arrangements by the Norton Funeral Home of Sodus, NY.