Deacon Willie C. Thomas was born on June 30, 1933 in Madison, Florida, to the late Will and Louise Thomas. He was an honorable Korean War Veteran and retired as a longshoremen. He served as Chairman of the Deacon staff at New Greater Friendship M.B. Church. He enjoyed fishing, being around his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He was preceded in death by his wife, Martiel M. Thomas; one sister, Bernice Simmons; two brothers, Otis Thomas and Sylvester Thomas. He leaves to cherish his memories: three children, Bernita Encinosa, Mychell Robinson (Reginald) and Cynthia Thomas; 10 grandchildren, Tennille, Keisha, Shana, Remy (Juan), Emmanuel (Alicia), Rene (Joe), Willie, Melanie, Amber and Alicia; 12 great grandchildren, Shanikka, Mykel, Kyondae, Keelan, Kysean, Jeremiah, Kourtney, Laila, Janae, Joe 111., Willie Jr., and Juan Jr.; two aunts Olia and Annie B; two uncles Ernest and Bishop White (Wife); one sister, Oris Ford, two brothers Ulysess Thomas (Gussie) and Curtis Thomas, brother-in-law, John Allen; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.