- State: Alabama
William Ray Thomas was born to the late William L. Thomas and the late Mary Lou Porter Thomas in 1944, in Barbour County, Alabama.
He graduated class of 1962 from TV McCoo High School. He served in the United States Navy from 1963-1970 and served in Vietnam the last two years. He was a member of the (SCLC) Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the (NAACP) National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Mizraim Temple #119, and Booker T. Washington Consistory #115 in Tuskegee, AL.
Ray accepted Christ at an early age and joined New Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church. He later became a member of St. John A.M.E. Church where he was revered as a Steward Board member for over 40 years. He also served faithfully on the Pastor’s Aide Board, and Finance Committee.
Ray was joined in matrimony to the late Burnell G. Johnson on July 11, 1998, and gained two stepsons; James DeWitt Johnson, and Jason Johnson.
Ray was preceded in death by four siblings; William “Bill” Holland, Mary Louise Thomas, Louis “Sonny Bill” Thomas, and Maddie D.Grim.
William Ray Thomas leaves to cherish two daughters; Sharon Renea Wright and Consuelo Thomas Floyd (Tony); one stepdaughter; Trina Ramsey Corbitt (Bryant). Three sisters; Daisy Thomas Oliver (Jimmy), Dorothy Williams, and Rosa Thomas Brantley. Five grandchildren; Devin Thomas (Danielle), Brittany Thomas Crews (Xavier), Dariaya Thomas, Tyler Ramsey, and Branden White. Three great-grandchildren; Kaylynn, Makai, and Mercer.
He raised three special nieces; Dee Dee Thomas Coleman (Jay C), Shannon Campbell, and Lataki Thomas Owens. Two nephews; Jarrett Gant, Terence Gant. His in-laws; The Chapman’s, The Green’s and The Newkirk families. His oldest cousin Lottie Davis (Earnest), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, adopted grandchildren, god-grandchildren, and friends.
