Willie Galvester Thomas, 80, of Greenville, Fla., passed away in Tallahassee, on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 23, at New Bethel AME Church, with interment in Ashville Community Cemetery, in Monticello. Viewing and visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m., on Friday, Nov. 22, 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.