On March 19, 1942 a baby boy was born to Jessie Thomas and Tyler Mae Burnett. He was named Willie Edward Thomas.  He grew up and attended public schools in Huntsville, Texas, where he graduated from Sam Houston High School. Upon completion of high school he went on to marry Shirley Hunter and enlisted in the United States Army where he served a number of years.   He then resided in California later marrying Thelma Thomas. After the death of Thelma, he was then united with Freddie Mae Rogers.

Willie departed this earthly life, returning to Christ on January 23, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents: Jessie Thomas and Tyler Burnett Johnson; step-father: Elige Johnson; wife: Thelma Thomas, wife: Freddie Mae Rogers; daughter: Margaret Owens; sister: Lois Williams; brothers: Jessie Thomas, Jr., John Thomas, Charles Thomas and Willie Earl Thomas and Bennie Curtis Thomas.

Willie leaves to cherish his memories, sons: Ronnie Thomas (Lottie), Donnie Thomas (Casaundra), Alan Thomas (Coletha) and Rodney Thomas (Shonda); daughters: Yulonda Hill and Elisa Thomas, all of Huntsville, Texas; brothers: Ricky Thomas and Robert Thomas; of Houston, Texas, Robert  Earl Johnson (Marvanice); of Huntsville, Texas;  sisters: Norma Thomas, Doris Thomas,  Martha Young, Erma Thomas Walker (Anthony) of Houston, Texas and Elizabeth Thomas Hankins (Walter); of Dallas; sister-in-law: Josie Stelly; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a host of additional relatives and friends; special friend:. Marvin Riles Jr. (Rolo)