William "Bill" Thomas Sr.

William “Bill” Ocie Thomas Sr. passed away on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at the age of 82.

Bill was born in Nauvoo, Alabama on December 1, 1940 to Edward and Mary Thomas. He proudly served in the US. Marine Corp. He moved with his parents to Pascagoula in 1943 at the age of three and never left. He was a Pascagoula High School graduate, and attended Bishop State College, MGCCC and Colorado School of Trades for Gunsmiths. He was a Freemason and Lodge Master of Singing River Lodge in Gautier. He was an expert in American Sign Language and occasionally provided interpretation services. Bill traveled the United States extensively and briefly lived in other states but always returned home to Pascagoula living the last 30 years of his life on Jackson Avenue next door to the public library. Known to many as “Wild Bill” a booming voice, a big smile, and a willingness to lend a hand, which he did many times.  He will be missed.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by a daughter, Deborah. He is survived by two sons; William Thomas Jr and Michael Thomas and his wife, Tamara; a daughter, Tiffany Jerry and her husband Cody; a brother, Stephen Thomas and his wife Jandy; six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and numerous friends.

Funeral Service will be Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 12:30pm with visitation one hour prior. Interment will conclude with military honors at Biloxi National Cemetery at 2:30pm. Condolences may be expressed online at www.obryantokeefe.com.

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