Willie James Thrash

Willie James Thrash, 82, of Plano, Texas, peacefully passed away on March 28, 2026, surrounded by family. Willie was born in 1944 in Natchitoches, Louisiana, to Frances Armstrong and Robert Thrash, Sr., and grew up among a large, loving family. He graduated from Natchitoches Central High School, where he met his high school sweetheart, Betty Johnson, in 1960. Their love story blossomed into a nearly 60-year marriage, with Betty affectionately calling him “Billy.” Willie pursued further studies at Southern University, and he and Betty married on August 8, 1965. Their daughter Veronica was born on May 13, 1966. Willie devoted more than four decades to the oil and gas industry. He began as a field technician for Pioneer Natural Gas in 1965 and, through several mergers, finished his career as Safety Director with One Oak Oil and Gas. His work ethic, calm leadership, and commitment to safety left a lasting impact on colleagues and the communities he served.

Beyond his professional life, Willie poured energy into coaching and youth development. In 1972, he began coaching with Kids Inc in Amarillo, Texas, focusing on basketball and track. That passion grew into the formation of the NATC AAU Summer Track Team, with Willie and Betty traveling nationwide to guide athletes to regional and national AAU meets. Many of his athletes reached professional levels, and he earned heartfelt respect as “Coach Thrash”—a mentor who believed in the potential of every athlete he touched. An entrepreneur at heart, Willie owned Mr. T’s Paint and Body Shop and Thrash Properties, a real estate LLC, in Amarillo. He balanced business acumen with a compassionate, servant-leader mindset, always ready to roll up his sleeves to help others. Faith was central to Willie's life. A lifelong member of New Hope Baptist Church in Amarillo, he sang in the choir and served as an associate pastor under Rev. David Hill. In 2008, he was installed as the Senior Pastor of New Zion Baptist Church in Borger, TX, reflecting his dedication to guiding others in faith.

In the 1990s, Willie and Betty embraced their niece Myieisha as their own daughter, providing love and stability as she grew to adulthood. He also warmly cared for nieces and nephew—Sheila, Robbin, Elbridge Thrash, and Tracy Rivers—and was a Godfather to Chanda Coffey, remaining a steadfast presence in her life.

The joy of Willie’s life grew with his grandchildren, Madison and Sydney, who brought out his playful, gentle side as he became known lovingly as “PaPa.” In 2010, Willie and Betty moved to Plano, Texas, where they continued to impart wisdom, love, and guidance to their grandchildren and Myieisha’s son Aden.

A Legacy That Lives On

Willie was a dedicated sports enthusiast, cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Dallas Cowboys, and he followed the Lakers and Kobe Bryant with passion. He enjoyed rebuilding cars, yard work, cooking for an “army”, and coaching. Also, he enjoyed training athletes for marathons and track events and coaching his grandchildren in basketball and football. He treated every coaching session as an opportunity to serve, lead by example, and lift others toward their best. Willie leaves behind his daughters Veronica (Phillip) Jordan of Plano and Myieisha (Melvin) Drew of McKinney; grandchildren Madison Nicole Jordan, Sydney Bay Jordan of Austin, and Aden Alexander Payton of McKinney; and siblings Lillie Jean Thrash-Payton, Mary “May” Frances Burnett (William) of Houston, Jesse Roberson, Florence Mixon of Houston, and Alice Irving. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Thrash; his parents; and his brothers Phelp “Sonny” Thrash, Robert “Peter” Thrash, Jr., Julius “Bird” Thrash, Henry Jones, Jr.; and his sister Everlena Wills. Willie’s impact endures in the countless athletes he coached, the family he cherished, and the communities he served. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, mentor, pastor, and friend who lived a life of faith, service, and unwavering love.