James "Bill" William Thomas

James "Bill" William Thomas, 89, of Spring Lake, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at his home surrounded by family.  Bill was born November 9th, 1935 in Anderson, South Carolina to the late Nellie Ruth and James Pleger Thomas.  He is preceded in death by his brothers, Sam Thomas and Bob Thomas; sister, Faye Blevins; daughter, Marth "Susie" Ruth Cox; wife, Marian Thomas; and grandson, James Robert Page.

Bill served proudly in the US Air Force for more than twenty years, ending up as a flight engineer for the C-130 aircraft until he retired. After retiring from the military, Bill continued to work at Fasco Industries in Fayetteville, for another twenty years.

Bill valued family America and our freedoms and above all GOD.  A devoted husband of seventy years, father of five children, grandfather to nine grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.  Bill was a rock for his family.  He loved camping, boating and spoiling the grandbabies.

In 2001 after the loss of a grandchild, Bill worked at the church eventually accepting a Deacon position, which he cherished.

Bill is survived by his children: Jim Thomas (Vilma), Mike Thomas, Tim Thomas (Michelle) and Sandy Thomas; grandchildren: Michelle Page, Cassandra Page, Adam Thomas, Leia Trudeau, Phillip Trudeau, Jon Thomas, Ashley Marsh and David Cox; great-grandchildren: James Bradford, Justin Bradford, Taylor Page, Tyler Demace, Katelyn Demace, Jeffrey Cunningham, Olivia Cunningham, Dylan Trudeau, Bryleigh Trudeau, Phillip Trudeau III, Aubrey Thomas, Hannah Thomas, Tyler Thomas, Olivia Marsh and Jon Thomas Trudeau Jr.; great-great-grandchildren: Andre Ratlif and Drevion Ratlif.

The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at Flat Branch Covenant Presbyterian Church, immediately followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM with Rev. Tom Cox and guest pastor Joan Phipps officiating. The burial will occur after the service in the church cemetery with full military honors. Refreshments will be provided after the graveside service, all are welcome to attend.  

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to: Wounded Warriors: www.woundedwarriorhomes.org or to the church of your choice in his memory.  

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