William R. “Bil” Thomas, age 70, of Masonville, passed away April 5, 2024 at Binghamton General Hospital. In typical Bil fashion he was fighting and joking to the end.
Bil was born in Brooklyn, NY to John F. “Jack” Thomas and Dorothy G. “Dottie” Thomas on January 9, 1954. He graduated from Sidney Central School where he met his future wife, Linda Cole Thomas. He discovered a love of farming as a child which remained a passion throughout his life. He worked with his father at Sidney Auto Body until he and Linda purchased the business in January 1987 and ran it for 31 years until their retirement.
In recognition of their many years of service and support to the community, Bil and Linda were proud to be awarded Business of the Year by the Sidney Chamber of Commerce. Bil proudly served on the Sidney School Board of Education, Masonville Town Board, and currently held the Deputy Supervisor seat.
He enjoyed many hobbies including playing on and sponsoring a team in the Sidney community softball league for many years, mowing lawns and roadsides, cutting firewood, snowmobiling, four wheeling, tinkering in the barn, listening to music, and hunting with his father.
Bil was a family man through and through. He loved coaching his sons and being an active spectator at his children and grandchildren’s sporting events. He always had a story to share, loved hosting small and large family events, and was truly the life of any party.
Bil is survived by his wife of 47 years, Linda; his children Jim (Heather) Thomas, Gary (Darcy) Thomas, and Matthew (Tiffany) Thomas (M.E.T.); sister Susan (Richard) Wakeman, brother John (Nancy) Thomas; grandchildren, whom he adored, Caila, Cole, Jackson, Jenna (J.E.T.) & Jaylee. He kept his reputation as Linda’s 4th child by playing and joking with the grandkids keeping him young at heart.
He was predeceased by his parents, Jack and Dottie Thomas and sister and brother-in-law Jacquie and Doug “Hoot” Gibson.
The family wishes to thank the many physicians and caregivers who helped along the way, in particular Dr. Michael Freeman. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Masonville or Trout Creek Fire Departments.
Friends are invited to call from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at CH Landers Funeral Home, 21 Main St, Sidney, NY. A memorial service will be held at the Sidney United Methodist Church, 12 Liberty St, Sidney at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 12, 2024.
As a long suffering Jets and Mets fan Bil would say... LET’S GO METS!
