Willie Galvester Thomas, 80, of Greenville, Fla., passed in Tallahassee on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. Funeral services are 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at New Bethel AME Church, with Interment in Ashville Community Cemetery, Monticello. Viewing-visitation is 4-6 p.m. Friday at TILLMAN OF MONTICELLO (850-997-5553). "Billy Joe" as he was lovingly called by family and friends was born in Hahira, Ga., Willie grew up in the Greenville-Monticello area. During high school, he moved to several places before settling in Miami. He was a successful entrepreneur, having owned and operated a tire sales and repair shop and an appliance repair and service center; he was also a Master Mechanic who built and installed engines. Willie was an avid race-car enthusiast and a championship billiards player. He loved fishing and was a talented farmer. After over 40 years, he retired and returned to his North Florida roots, settling in Greenville. Survivors include his wife Sharon Thomas and his children: Shelia, Willie Jr., and Courtney Thomas and Talisa Owens; grandchildren: LaQuanta Thomas, Michael Canada; Deaon, Diamond and Desha Galimore, Uriah Owens, Mason Ingram and Ke`Mari Deshazior; siblings: Julia Bridges Walker, Barbara Grier (Willie) Clyde, Freddie Bridges, Betty Grier, Robert (Diane) Bridges, Shirley Bridges Walton, Ronald Alexander, Darrin (Nasreen) Alexander and John Grier; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and sorrowing friends.