Willie Thomas

Willie Thomas was born on January 8, 1948, to John L. and Sallie Mae Thomas.  He was affectionately known by his friends and family as “Meg.”  Willie was a cherished son, brother, uncle, neighbor, and friend. He was known for his good nature and his kind heart.

Willie’s greatest passion was caring for the children in his family. Although he was without children of his own, he would take care of his siblings’ children and grandchildren. An avid fan of the Motown sounds, Willie was especially fond of songs by the Temptations and Bobby Womack.

Willie was educated in the Birmingham school system. He graduated from Western Olin High School. While there, he studied Radio and TV repair. He would often tell the story of going to class and always being prepared for what was taught on a given day; because he had previously learned those things from his father who operated a TV repair shop from their home. Willie would go on to say how much of an advantage he had in class, because for every piece of equipment in the school shop his father had a similar one at home.  

Willie retired from PEMCO in 2005 as a general aircraft mechanic. He enjoyed working on airplanes and always pointed out the different types of aircraft he serviced.

Willie confessed Christ at an early age and became a member of Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church, Ensley. He served faithfully on the Usher Board and the Willing Workers Ministry.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents John L. Thomas, Sr. and Sallie Mae Thomas; brothers John L. Thomas Jr., and David Thomas; sister Martha Rice; and sisters-in-law Marian (Glenn) Thomas and Annie Jewel (John) Thomas.  Willie is survived by his sisters Loretta Williams, Wanda G. Thomas, and Chandra Thomas; brothers Glenn Thomas, Joe (Felecia) Thomas, Carl (Deborah) Thomas; and many nieces and nephews as well as special friends Fred Jones and Julia Brown.

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