William Estus “Billy” Thomas, Jr.
September 28, 1928 – August 26, 2017
Funeral services for William Estus “Billy” Thomas, Jr., 88, of Cairo, GA, are at 11:30 a.m., Monday, August 28, 2017, at the First Baptist Church, Cairo, GA. Rev. Chris Allen will officiate. Services will conclude in the church. Private interment will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Thomasville, GA. Mr. Thomas passed away at his home in Cairo, GA, on Saturday, August 26, 2017.
Active pallbearers will be Gary Jones, Billy Daniels, Ed Robinson, Mike Robinson, Rob Robinson, John Davis, Dr. Lumis Brown and Melton “Buzz” McKown. Honorary pallbearers will be the Grady County Gideons, the Cairo Masonic Lodge #299, the Fishermen and Baraca Sunday School Classes of the Cairo First Baptist Church.
Mr. Thomas was born on September 28, 1928, in Statenville, NC, to the late William Estus “Jack” Thomas, Sr. and Bonnie Bell Broadaway Thomas. He served his country in the United States Navy. On January 7, 1949, he married Sara Robinson Thomas, who survives. He retired as service manager of Faulk Chevrolet and then was the owner of The Seafood House.
He served faithfully the Cairo First Baptist Church as a Deacon and Sunday School Superintendent for many years. He also served in many other facets of church life. Through example, he provided a testament to what church life is about. He was a faithful member of the Grady County Gideons, going on Saturday morning for many years. As a member of the Masons, he received his 60 year apron last fall. While his daughters were in school, he was active in the CHS Football Booster Club and the Band Boosters. He owned the same CHS football seats for more than 50 years and was instrumental in the opening of the Band Boosters Concession Stand.
His wife and two daughters were the light of his life, but his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his world. Not only was he PaPa to them, but to most of the young people of Grady and Thomas Counties. The family sends their love and appreciation to Dee, Tamara and Angela with Magnolia Care for the wonderful service in the past two years.
Survivors include: his wife of 68 years, Sara Robinson Thomas of Cairo, GA; daughters, Ellen Cox (Jerry) of Cairo, GA, Julia Harper (Junior) of Thomasville, GA; grandchildren, Jerry Cox, Jr. (Vickie) of Thomasville, GA, Brande Strickland (Stephen) of Cairo, GA, Heidi Hall (Bernie) of Thomasville, GA, Mandy Daughtry (Travis) of Cairo, GA, Heather Waldrop (Mike) of Thomasville, GA, Haley Perkins (Lafe) of Whigham, GA, Hunter Harper (Audrey) of Thomasville, GA; and great-grandchildren, Lee Cox, III, Sara Morgan Cox, Owen House, Cullen House, all of Thomasville, GA, Gabe Strickland, Joshua Strickland, Haven Gammill, Jewell Grace Gammill, all of Cairo, GA, Braxton Hall, Landon Hall, Addy Hall, all of Thomasville, GA, Will Thomas Daughtry of Cairo, GA, Rodge Waldrop, Roland Waldrop, both of Thomasville, GA, Hardy Harper, Hudson Harper, Haywood Harper, Hazel Harper, all of Thomasville, GA.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; sister, Doris Thomas Davis; infant sister, Imogene Thomas; brother, Eugene Thomas; and a special cousin, Phillip Austin.
Memorials may be made in Mr. Thomas’ memory to: First Baptist Church Building Committee, P. O. Box 1538, Cairo, GA 39828; or the Gideons International Processing Center, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090.
The family will receive friends at the Cairo First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall on Sunday, August 27, 2017, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.
