William Eugene "Bill" Thomas

William Eugene "Bill" Thomas, 74, died Sunday, January 9, 2011 at home in Gautier. MS. Mr. Thomas was born June 25, 1936 in Newton, MS to Calvin H. and Grace (Robinson) Thomas. He graduated from Newton High School in 1954 and attended Southeastern Oklahoma College on a football scholarship. He served his country in the U.S. Army, stationed in Tokyo and playing football for the Army during the Korean Conflict. He married Susie Ann Harris on August 29, 1957 in Newton, MS. He began his career at Eastern Airlines in Mobile, AL. He retired from Ingalls Shipbuilding QA/QC department after 34 years. He also spent several months in 1980/81 working at nuclear power plants in Virginia, Connecticut and Arkansas. Football was a lifelong passion and he gave generously of his time to the youth football program in Gautier, coaching the Gautier Raiders from its inception. He was an ardent fan of Ole Miss Football and the New Orleans Saints since the days of Archie Manning. He made a point to attend as many Gautier High School football games as possible. He also coached and umpired Little League and Pony League baseball in Gautier for many years. Although he felt sports were very important for children, he always put education first. He taught his daughter, Margaret, how to use a slide rule when she was 5 years old and will always be remembered for emphasizing "Math and Science". Many children in Gautier have been influenced by his gentleness, humor and encouragement. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lisa Ann on March 9, 1981; a brother, Truman Thomas; and nephew, Bobby Thomas. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 53 1/2 years, Sue, and children Margaret (Mark) Davidson of Bloomsburg, PA; William H. "Bubba" Thomas of Gautier; and Teresa Casey of Gautier; his grandchildren, Lisa Thomas, who has resided with her grandparents since birth; Dakota Davidson, Paul G. "Tra" Casey, Jessica Casey, Jennifer Casey and Jami Casey. He also leaves his beloved great grandchildren, Kathy Casey and Trenton Jordan. He is survived by a brother, Bob, of Lawrence, MS; and sister, Catherine Kelly of Lake, MS; several nieces and nephews. He will be missed by his constant canine companion, Moolah. Visitation will be Tuesday, January 11th from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Holder-Wells Funeral Home in Moss Point, MS. Funeral services will be Wednesday, January 12th at 1:00 p.m. from Holder-Wells Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. John Wester officiating. Pallbearers will be Mark Davidson, Bruce Joyce, John Michael Cauley, Jonathon Jordan, Tra Casey and Josh Lewis. Interment will follow at Crestlawn Memorial Park in Ocean Springs, MS. If preferred, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692. Arrangements by Holder-Wells Funeral Home, Moss Point, MS.

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William Eugene "Bill" Thomas

June 25, 1936 - January 9, 2011