William "Bill" Rick Thomas Sr., of Lake Brownwood, formerly of Pampa, Texas, passed away October 23, 2014 at his home surrounded by his wife and children.

Memorial Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday Oct. 30, 2014 at Grace Lutheran Church in Brownwood with Pastor Curt Schneider officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Netherton Funeral Home. Visitation with the family will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at the church.

Bill was born on June 29, 1951 in Pampa, Texas to Joy and Vesta Thomas. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Pampa. He graduated from Pampa High School in 1969 and attended Texas Tech University. Bill married Suzan Denise Mitchell on Dec. 29, 1973. Bill and his wife, Suzan, owned and operated Thomas Automotive in Pampa for over 20 years. After moving to Lake Brownwood, Bill was employed as Director of Fleet Services for the City of Brownwood and retired in June 2014. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church and served on the local United Way Board for several years. Bill enjoyed playing golf, cooking brisket for family and friends and spending time on the lake.

Bill is survived by his wife of forty years, Suzan Thomas of Lake Brownwood; two children, Christy and husband Greg Palcich and their four children, Alexandra, Calli, Ethan and Jacob of Keller; and William Rick Jr. (Billy) and wife Jodi Thomas and their two children William Rick III (Trey) and Emma Joy of Brownwood; one brother Timothy Thomas and wife Debbie of Pampa, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents Joy and Vesta Thomas, sister Caroline Smith and three special nieces Mandy Lynn Thomas Medley, Bethany Caviness and Lynnzy Standerfer.

The family requests that if desired, donations can be made in lieu of flowers to the Boys and Girls Club of Brownwood and Loaves and Fishes. Donations for these entities should be made out to: United Way, c/o Ruth Willis @ City Hall, P.O. Box 1389, Brownwood TX 76804.