The Rev. William “Bill” M. Thomas, age 86, of Glasgow, passed away on Jan. 16, 2026, being comforted by his family and Hospice after a lengthy battle with a number of physical ailments. 

He was born on June 23, 1939, to his parents, Milton Delmar Thomas and Susie Clem Thomas, in Cawood, Ky.

Also preceding him in death were his brothers, Roland Thomas, Gilbert Thomas, Ted Thomas and Fred Thomas; sisters, Georgia Thomas Moody and Ester Thomas Mitchell; and daughter-in-law, Lori Whitten Thomas.

After graduating from Hall High School in Cawood, Ky., he pursued a teaching degree from Cumberland College in Williamsburg, Ky. He later obtained a master’s in divinity degree from South Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C.  Bill spent his early career teaching special education in Kentucky and Ohio. During his time training to become a minister, he began a 55-year career as a Baptist minister.

While at Cumberland College, Bill met his wife to be, Patricia Jane Williamson.  They married on May 2, 1964, and spent 61 years together before his passing.  Their union produced two sons, William “Billy” M. Thomas Jr. and Paul David Thomas.  As they raised a family, the couple ministered to a number of congregations.  The first church Bill and Pat served was Creswell Baptist Church in Creswell, N.C.

Other congregations served included Union Chapel Baptist Church, Clarksville, Va.; North Roxboro Baptist Church, Roxboro, N.C.; East Stone Gap Baptist Church, East Stone Gap, Va.; Glasgow Baptist Church, Glasgow; and Faith Mountain Baptist Church, Lexington.

Bill was an avid gardener and most loved fresh Kentucky half runner green beans and tomatoes.  He enjoyed fishing, woodworking and coin collecting. Bill was best known for his ministry to the communities and churches he served.  He was known for his commitment to visit the sick.  He was often sought out to conduct wedding and funeral ceremonies and was remembered for bringing personal touches and anecdotes in those special services. His unique sense of humor and kind disposition were hallmarks of his service to the community.   

Bill is survived by his is wife, Pat Thomas; his sons, Billy (Laura) Thomas and Paul Thomas; his grandchildren, John Dillon Thomas, Hannah Elizabeth Thomas Snow (Tyler),  Kinley Lauren Thomas and Allison Parker Thomas; his great-grandchildren, Charlie Snow, Katie Snow and Bonnie Snow; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, at Faith Mountain Baptist Church, 270 Valley Pike Road, Lexington, by the Rev. Matt Musser and the Rev. David Bain.  Burial will follow at Glasgow Cemetery, 1293 Fitzlee St. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. 

For family and friends unable to attend in-person, there will be a live stream on YouTube on the Faith Mountain Baptist Church stream. 

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.