William Thomas

Born in Jackson Co, TN on January 25, 1941

Departed on May 3, 2017 and resided in Lyles, TN

Visitation: Harpeth Hills Funeral Home & Cremation CenterThursday May 4, 2017 4:00pm to 8:00pmVisitation: Friday May 5, 2017 11:00am to 1:00pmCelebration of Life: Friday May 5, 2017 1:00pmBurial: Middle Tennessee Veterans CemeteryFriday May 5, 2017 2:00pm

William Harold Thomas, age 76 of Lyles, passed away May 3, 2017 at his residence.

William was born in Jackson County, TN on January 25, 1941, one of three sons of the late Wigg Leon Thomas and Sue Holmes Thomas.

Following high school he joined the United States Army in service of his country. As a career, he served as a machine operator on the railroad, where he enjoyed the comradery of his railroad union co-workers.

Most people will remember him for his work on lawnmowers in the Dickson area. He loved working in his garden, tending his vegetables. He had a fondness for street rods, owning several and being an original and dedicated member of the Shadetree Street Rods.

His greatest passion in life was reserved for his family. William was a "generous, giving man and the best father a kid could have," according to his sons. He was morally and ethically above reproach, and valued honesty above all. In his final hours he shared his wisdom with his grandson of "work hard and treat others with honesty." They were words that guided his life.

William is survived by his two sons: Randy Thomas of Hendersonville and Michael (Jennifer) Thomas of Gallatin; three grandsons: Tony, Sean and Jason Thomas; and a great-grandson: Amadeus Thomas.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife: Patricia Thomas in July 2009; and two brothers: Billy Thomas and Bobby Thomas.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Thursday, May 4 from 4:00 -8:00 PM at Harpeth Hills Funeral Home. They will welcome friends to gather on Friday, May 5 at 1:00 PM at the Pavilion at Harpeth Hills, where a Celebration of Life Service will be conducted. There will be visitation from 11:00 AM until the service at the Pavilion. With military honors provided by the United States Army, burial will take place at 2:00 PM Friday at Middle Tennessee State Veteran Cemetery.