William (Bill) Thomas Jr, 91, Naples NY passed away on Saturday, May 9, 2026. He was surrounded by his family in his last days and that’s exactly how he wanted it. Bill was born on April 7, 1935. Son of late William and Isabella Thomas. He lived a life defined by service, faith, honor, and unwavering care for others. Bill was very proud to have served his country in the Navy. Bill ran his own appliance repair service for 30 years before retiring. Then went on to drive school bus for the Naples School District. His family was his proudest accomplishment. His family was his world. Bill was always the life of the party. He vacationed all over the world. He enjoyed camping, sitting around the campfire sharing stories, kayaking, and of course riding his Harley. He never passed up the opportunity to play a game of Skip-Bo. Bill is survived by the love of his life of 71 years, Jean Layton Thomas. His children: Sharon Johnson (Brian), Roseann Smith (Ralph), Scott Thomas (Tiffany), and Lisa Thomas. 14 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, William Thomas III, his sister, Lois Clovis (Frank), brother Richard Thomas (Marilyn), numerous cousins, and numerous nieces and nephews. Bill’s strength, kindness, humor, and faith will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He will be dearly missed. Bill would be so happy to share that all of this is – “All because two people fell in love!”
Following his wishes, there will be no viewing or visitation. There will be a memorial service with military honors on August 15, 2026, at 10:00 am at St. Januarius Church, Naples, NY.
My Uncle Bill was my rock. He was always there to help me with my mom, his sister Lois. Over the past few years we met for dinners with my Aunt Jean , his daughter Sharon and Brian , Bill and I, and my brother Steve and his wife Sharon. I will cherish these times. I will miss him terribly. He was all so my godfather.