Dr. William (Bill) Butler Thomas

William Butler Thomas, 82, of Valdosta, passed away on Sunday, November 3, 2024 at Langdale Hospice House. Bill Thomas was born on June 14, 1942, in Augusta, Georgia to Lillian Butler Thomas and John C. Thomas, Jr. He grew up in Adel, Georgia with his twin brother, Tom and their older brother Colquitt. Bill enjoyed his childhood very much, playing in the neighborhood until their father whistled for them to come home for supper. Bill also became an excellent outdoorsman, finding pleasure in hunting and fishing.

He graduated from Cook County High School in 1960 and enrolled in Mercer University where he spent two years preparing for dental school. He met Anne Corbett when they were Freshmen at Mercer, and they were married in 1963 while Bill was a student at Emory Dental School.

After graduation from Emory in 1966, Bill and Anne moved to Columbia, South Carolina where he was enlisted in the Army Dental Corp. In 1968, they moved to Valdosta where he practiced dentistry for forty years, retiring in 2008. He made many friends during these years and was loved by his patients. He enjoyed the activities of golf, hunting and fishing with his buddies for many years.

Bill was a beloved son, husband and father and will be greatly missed. The family was active in First Baptist Church, Christian Home Ministries and New Covenant in Valdosta, and hold precious memories of all.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents and son, Jeff Thomas. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Anne; their daughter and son-in-law Suzanne and David Withers of Mt. Pleasant South Carolina, and son and daughter-in-law Jason and Shannon Thomas of Jennings, FL; and his brothers Tom Thomas (Liz) and John Thomas (Toots).

"A friend may well be reckoned as the masterpiece of Nature." R.W. Emerson

"Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come, and Grace has led me safe this far, and Grace will lead me Home." John Newton

Memorial services will be held at 11am on Thursday, November 7, 2024 in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10-11am. Online condolences may be shared at www.mclanecares.com.

Flowers will be accepted, or donations may be made to Hospice of South Georgia; Wounded Warrior Project; or Tunnels to Towers Foundation.

Carson McLane Funeral Home