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To celebrate the life and service of Rev. Dr. William “Butch” Thomas, Jr. and to extend our sincerest condolences to his family and friends on the occasion of his passing, Saturday, November 14, 2020.
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WHEREAS, the members of Columbus City Council extend this resolution of expression in honor of the life and service of Dr. Rev. William Thomas Jr. who peacefully passed away on Saturday, November 14, 2020; and
WHEREAS, William began his earthly pilgrimage on November 8, 1947, in Columbus, Ohio to the union of William Thomas, Sr. and Thelma (Hunt) Thomas; and
WHEREAS, Bill was the eldest child, having two younger sisters: Janice Thomas Parks, who predeceased him, and Dr. Gene Thomas Harris. Bill’s early years were spent on the thriving east side of Columbus, where he attended Garfield Elementary School and Champion Junior High. When the family moved to the northeast side, he attended Linden McKinley High School from which he graduated in 1965. He was a life-long member of the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ; and
WHEREAS, Bill grew up and matured in Christ at Woodland Christian Church, Disciples of Christ. Bill’s love of music was obvious early. At the age of 12, his pastor noticed him playing the piano at church. This was long before Bill had formal lessons; he was using the gift God gave him, playing “by ear” which he perfected in addition to his years of formal training. The church gifted him with a piano, which began his long and storied career as a musician, singer, actor, teacher, and pastor. When the church’s pianist left during Bill’s high school years, he became the choir director, which would now be called the Minister of Music. Having been blessed with a beautiful tenor singing voice, concurrently, he was a participant in the music groups in his high school, which required auditions. In his spare time, to earn extra money as a high school student, he delivered the local newspaper to homes throughout the community where the family ...
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