William Earl Thomas of Warrior, Ala. passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at the age of 84.

William was a faithful member of the Rock Creek Church of Christ at Pleasant Hill. He served as a deacon of the church for many years. William was devoted to his wife, Jan, and his daughters, Julie Bottomlee and Cinnamon Goodwin. He was always saying, "We have good girls." His son, John, died in 2018. William and Jan (Janice) were married for 59 years and 7 months. He was an underground miner for over 30 years. He worked at Bessie Mine near Graysville until it shut down, then transferred to Jim Walters #7 Mine. He retired in 2002. Wiliam was greatly loved and respected by family, church family, and friends. He cared for his hunting buddies and the many stories they shared. He and Jan made many trips to the mountains with special friends. For many years, he loved riding his motorcycle. The family would like to extend a special thank you to his sister, Kay, and grandson, Robbie, for the loving care given during William's illness. Also, to Basil Petty for the skills to begin or complete projects when William was unable to.

William was preceded in death by his parents, Othel and Louise Thomas; son, John A. Thomas; great-granddaughter, Hallie R. Horne; great-great-granddaughter, Liberty M. Snow; and siblings, Johnny O. Thomas, Ben D. Thomas, and June T. Adams. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Janice S. Thomas; daughters, Julie T. Bottomlee (Rickey) and Cinnamon T. Goodwin (Chris); grandchildren, Angelia Reid (Gary), Alicia Chappel, Andrea Perry (Steven), Amy Caitlin Horne (Jarod), Aubrey Bottomlee (Brianna), Devon Goodwin, Wil Goodwin (Bayleigh), Robbie Thomas, Ashley Shephard (Hunter), Harley Thomas, and Janice Thomas; 18 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild; sisters, Jan T. Jett and Kay T. Fascina; brother-in-law, Jessie Adams; as well as host of nieces and nephews. William is deeply loved and greatly missed by all listed here, and many others.

A visitation for William will be held at Messmer Goodwin Funeral Home on Saturday, March 7, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 12:30 p.m. Immediately following the funeral service, everyone will travel of their own accord to Warrior Cemetery, where we will all reconvene graveside for a brief committal service prior to interment.