Obituary : Wilson J. Thomas Jr.
Wilson J. Thomas Jr., known as Bill, died peacefully Sunday, Sept. 20, at his home in Largo, Fla., surrounded by his family. He was 67 years old.
Bill was born in Oak Bluffs on November 17, 1941, to Wilson J. and Mary R. Thomas. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Dee; his two daughters, Mary Anne and Meaghan; and his two sisters, Anne Cummings and Barbara Murphy, and their families.
Bill grew up on the Island, and graduated from the Oak Bluffs High School in 1959, the last class before the Regional High School opened its doors. He was a gifted athlete and enjoyed many sports, among them swimming, baseball, and basketball. He was one of the early organizers of the adult softball league when the games were played in Waban Park in Oak Bluffs.
Bill was known for his wonderful sense of humor, his great style, and his enjoyment of life. He attended St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Bill traveled to Europe on board the Queen Mary and lived in France for some time, before returning to Boston where he worked at Smith Corona.
In 1969, Bill moved to Florida and worked as a restaurateur for a few years before becoming an LPN. He worked at Health South Rehab Hospital until he retired in 2007.
Bill's life centered on his family and he was enormously proud of them, reveling in their activities and accomplishments.
A funeral service was held for him on Saturday, Sept. 26, in Largo.
