William Junious Thomas

William Thomas was born on July 4, 1961, in South Hampton County, Ivor, Virginia to the late Shirley Temple Thomas-Fisher and the late William Thomas. In 1978, William attended South Hampton High School. William, affectionately known as “Buck”, began his first job at the age of 20 working at the Meat Packing Plant in Ivor, Virginia. Later in life, he moved to Washington, DC and worked at Voice of America. During this time, William met his future wife, Ethel, because she worked in the same building. Later, he was employed by Fort Jackson Military Base. William’s final place of employment was McEntire Produce, where he worked as a forklift driver. He retired from this job due to his declining health. William was well-respected and liked by all his co-workers and peers. Buck loved the Lord and had faith in Him. Although he wasn’t a member of a church, Buck felt knowing and believing in God was enough and considered that to be his church home. Buck was an avid wrestling fan. His favorite wrestling team, The Bloodlines, were brothers who wrestled together. Buck loved to play cards, with Spades being his favorite. He also loved to party and have a good time. Buck enjoyed cooking and crabs were his favorite food. He was avid Dallas Cowboy fan. Buck enjoyed telling jokes, and although it was hard to understand him because he talked so fast, he was still very funny. Family was very important to Buck, especially his wife, who was the love of his life. Over the years he saw it as very important to stay in touch with his family, as well as take care of them when he could. Buck shared a special bond with his stepdaughter, Paula, and loved to travel to Maryland to spend time with her. Buck was kind, giving and always willing to help others. He enjoyed life to the fullest. Buck will be dearly missed. In addition to his parents, William Thomas was preceded in death by his grandparents, Landy and Ella Thomas; stepson, Clifford Shaw; sisters, Janet Thomas, Sandra Ann Fisher and Barbara Ann Fisher; and nephew, Tommie Lee Byas. William “Buck” Thomas peacefully passed at home on July 29, 2025, in Sumter, South Carolina, with his wife by his side. Buck leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Ethel Thomas; stepchildren, Marvin Shaw, Michael Shaw, William Shaw, Albertha Snyder, and Paula Christian Coleman; grandchildren, Lionel Snyder, Antonio Snyder, Diamond Snyder, Tayshawn Snyder, Faith Snyder, and Snugg, his dance partner; brother, Eddie Lee Arrington; aunts, Mary Potter, Isabelle Clayborn, Robin Cooper, Barbara Fisher, and Mrs. Louise; uncles, Jerry Thomas and Early Thomas; nieces, April Thomas and Ashley Fisher; nephews, Thomatha Fisher and Jonathan Fisher; and a host of cousins, other family members, and close friends who he shared close and special bonds with through his lifelong journey.

William Junious Thomas

July 5, 1961 - July 29, 2025

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