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COLLINSVILLE DOLTON
FUNERAL HOME
COLLINSVILLE, TULSA CO, OK
(permission granted)
William Terrill (Bill) Thomas, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed from this earth to his heavenly home Tuesday, November 8, 2016.
Bill was born November 17, 1932, in Tallent, Oklahoma, to William Murray Thomas and Arla Belle (Terrill) Thomas. He spent his entire life in Collinsville, Oklahoma, except for the years spent in the U S Navy.
Bill was a 1950 graduate of Collinsville High School. He was extremely proud of his alma mater and worked tirelessly to make the school system better and better. He would work to promote the school until his last days through the Collinsville Education Foundation, an organization which he helped form.
Bill was married on October 30, 1954, to Mae Lorene (Kitty) Tanner. They made their home in Collinsville and raised three children: Pamela Marie Webb (Gy), William Terrill (Billy)Thomas II—deceased February, 1977, and Jennifer Renee Miller. Bill was blessed with four grandchildren: Alex Webb, Ashley Webb Powell, Kelsi Miller Fulton and Ethan Miller. He also had five great grandchildren: Hank, Mack, & Ross Powell, Jaqueline Webb, and Leo Miller. He was anticipating the birth of a sixth great grandchild, Baby Fulton, in April of 2017. He loved family with an everlasting and unconditional love. The children and grandchildren were included in many of Bill and Kitty’s travels.
Aside from his family, Bill’s most beloved passion was his church. Bill was a student of his Lord, and studied his Bible relentlessly. In his service to his Lord, he led the singing at the Collinsville Church of Christ for 40+ years. He served the church body in any way asked. Bill raised his family with a great knowledge of the Word, and an example of Christ’s love.
Bill was also loved Collinsville. He was an advocate for numerous causes to improve and highlight his community. Bill served on the Chamber of Commerce, Collinsville School Board of Education. Collinsville Senior Citizens Council, Collinsville Park Board, Collinsville Historical Society and Collinsville Education Foundation. For many years he organized and ran the Collinsville Tennis Tournament. Bill began playing tennis in high school and continued until he was in his 70’s. It was a game that captured his heart! He would often be found at the City Tennis Courts mentoring young tennis players, teaching them and guiding them. He was also a member of the Nifty Fifties—which brought him great happiness as he reconnected with classmates.
To many children, Bill was the “donut man”---taking donuts on Saturday mornings to homes around town and to church on Sundays.
One trait that Bill passed to his children was his love of people—regardless of a person’s shortcomings or accomplishes, Bill loved to learn about people. And he loved to make some connection to their backgrounds. He remembered facts about people and would often surprise them by asking about a relative, trial they had faced or what was happening in their life. He also loved to visit and encourage the businesses in Collinsville. He wanted them to succeed and make “his home town” continue.
Bill also loved flea markets and junk stores! For years, he could be seen at the Tulsa Flea Market, walking the aisles and chatting with the vendors. He became a staple there. His knowledge of antiques and jewelry was astounding—another study of his.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his son, a brother—Robert Thomas, and a sister—Edna Thomas Husband.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Kitty, two daughters, Pam Webb and Jennifer Miller, four grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. In lieu of flowers he would love to be remembered by a donation to the Collinsville Church of Christ or Collinsville Education Foundation.
Visitation will be 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at the Collinsville Dolton Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Thursday, November 10, 2016 at the First Baptist Church with Mr. Carl Harris officiating. Interment will follow at the Ridgelawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be to the Collinsville Education Foundation, care of American Bank of Oklahoma.
Services are under the direction of Collinsville Dolton Funeral Home.
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