William Levette Thomas

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubles, neither let them be afraid” 

                                                                                        John 14:27

William “Gator” Levette Thomas, 68, passed away on February 5, 2025, in McDonough, GA. He was born in Hartsville, SC on October 14, 1956. He was the son of the late Willie Thomas Jr. and Ophelia Smith-Thomas.

William attended Butler High School and was a part of the graduating class of 1974. After graduation, he then signed up and served honorably in the United States Marine Corp from 1974 to 1976. William then relocated to New York where he started his career in Transportation. He spent several years as a long-haul truck driver. After many years in the trucking industry, he decided to start a career with (MTA) Metropolitan Transportation Authority and spent over 25 years with MTA until his retirement earlier last year.

William was very passionate and had love for motorcycles, enjoying the experience of riding them, traveling and spending time participating in his motorcycle club, “The Buffalo Soldiers”. He also was a mean turkey fryer.

Those who had the pleasure of knowing William, knew he was loving, caring, witty and loved to laugh. William loved life. He loved his family and friends and always kept us laughing with his jokes. He will certainly be missed by all who had the opportunity to know and love him. 

William was preceded in death by: his parents, Willie Thomas Jr. and Ophelia Smith-Thomas; grandparents, David and Florrie Bonaparte- Smith and Willie and Carrie Thomas; brother, James Anthony Thomas; and sister, Cora Lee Pate.

William leaves to cherish: his two daughters, Yvette Thomas of Georgia and Ebony Thomas of New York; grandchildren, Shanta Allen and Aliyah Marshall, both of Georgia; great-grandchildren: Mekhi Vasquez, Makenlee Vasquez and Ace Burton, of Georgia; sisters. Joyce Ervin and Teresa Thomas, both of South Carolina; nieces: Carla (Jerry) Cheatham, Kendra Ervin and Davita L. Thomas, of South Carolina; nephews: Mark (Rita) Pate and Brandon Jacobs, both of South Carolina and LaTerrance Simon of Louisiana; and a host of cousins, great nieces and nephews and friends.