July 7, 1942 – January 28, 2024
A loving husband, father, grand-father, brother, and friend went on to join his Maker, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, January 28, 2024.
Bill was born in Minden, LA on July 7, 1942. He was a 1960 graduate of Homer High School and a member of the 1957 State Champion football team known as the “Iron Men” of the Homer High Fighting Pelicans. Bill entered Louisiana State University where he received a degree in history in 1964. While at LSU he completed the Army ROTC program and received his commission as a second lieutenant and joined the United States Army as a platoon tank commander. He served a total of 38 years in the military in a combination of active and National Guard Service. As an Army officer he rose through the ranks and achieved the rank of full colonel where he commanded the 204th Area Support Group of the Louisiana Army National Guard with over 3,000 soldiers under his command. Colonel Thomas commanded multiple overseas training missions and many of his soldiers served in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He earned numerous military awards in his career. He was awarded the Legion of Merit two times. The Legion of Merit is one of the highest peace time awards given for exceptional leadership skills in a senior command position.
While in the military, Bill was selected to attend the Army War College which is an elite strategic leadership program reserved for top senior officers in the military. Upon completion, Colonel Thomas received a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies and later served as the Comptroller of the Louisiana National Guard where he was responsible for payroll operations of all soldiers. Later in his career, he served as the director of the guard’s maintenance operations and oversaw the repair of all equipment for the military. Because of his skill and expertise in this role, he was called back to service during his retirement in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to organize and oversee the repair of all military equipment that was damaged during the hurricane.
Bill was a proud resident of Homer, Louisiana, where he grew up and later became owner and operator of the family business, Thomas Tire and Home Center. He served the Homer community for over 20 years as a member of multiple organizations and boards. Bill also served the Alexandria, Louisiana, community as a vestry member of his church and worked tirelessly to support military veterans and the elderly. Bill and his wife, C.A., enjoy Mardi Gras and were members of various crews.
Bill is survived by his wife of 34 years, Carol Ann (C.A.) Cusimano Thomas, his children, Lance Thomas (Jaci) and J. Smith Thomas, step-son Scott Stewart (Jennifer), grandson Jackson L. Thomas, step-granddaughter Rylee Stewart, step grandson Brandon Smith, sister Mary Woodall, nephew Ted Wadsworth, niece Renee’ Wadsworth, great-nephews William Wadsworth and Lance Wadsworth, and great- nieces Lucy Wadsworth and Evie Wadsworth.
Bill was proceeded in death by his son, William Thomas IV, and his parents, Dorothy Smith Thomas and William Thomas Jr.
Memorial Services will be at 11:30 AM on Saturday, February 3 at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 2627 Horseshoe Drive, Alexandria, LA. 71301. Visitation at the church will be from 10:30 AM until the start of service at 11:30 AM.
All are invited to a reception following the service at St Timothy’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall.