His journey began December 26, 1945, in Birmingham, Alabama. He departed August 17, 2022. He attended Birmingham City Schools, graduating from Carver High School in January of 1964 as the class valedictorian. He was awarded a full scholarship in Engineering to Columbia University, a private Ivy League College in New York. He attended there for over a year. Bill changed his course by transplanting himself to Los Angeles, California. He went rogue. That's just like him.

He began his career with the United States Postal Service in 1967 and receiving continuous promotions and awards throughout his career, landing him as postal manager. He retired in 2007, achieving a successful career of over forty plus years with the USPS, demonstrating strong leadership qualities throughout. He was well known for his strong managerial style. He was indeed a leader!

Bill moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, to live out his retirement dream life, buying a luxurious home and enjoying all the city lights. He had a blast! His health changed in 2022, so much so that his younger brother, Ervis, and his wife, Bobbie, moved him to their home state, Arizona, to be close to him as he was wonderfully cared for by the caring hands of the starfish facility.

He leaves behind: 96 year old mother, Melvina Reese; sister, Dorothy Jean Burroughs (William); brother,
Ervis Thomas (Bobbie); sisters, Deborah Reese, and Gwendolyn Reese; and a host of nephews and nieces.
Acknowledging Bill's many years with Sharon Landers.