William Bill R Thomas

William R. Thomas (Bill) of Kissimmee, born March 29, 1931, passed on to Eternal Peace, April 8, 2012, Easter Sunday. Bill was born in Hoopeston, IL . The oldest of 7 siblings, Bill enjoyed being from a big family. Bill made his mark on the music world, at the early age of 18 as he set off to New York to fulfill his dream of becoming a professional musician.

Bill had a great time playing music on the road and in New York City - He fell in love with a beautiful young ice skater, Ann Boykin from Dallas, TX. They were married in Virginia Beach in 1954.

Through the years Bill had the good fortune and talent to play with the Sammy Kaye Orchestra, Mel Torme’, and perform on the Jackie Gleason Show. Disney World was what originally brought Bill to Kissimmee. He had the honor of being there to play music the day the park opened in 1971. Bill and Ann raised a beautiful family in Kissimmee, FL. They were blessed with three beautiful children, Bill Jr, Tracy, and Phillip.

Bill retired from Disney in 1996 and continued to play big band music with Orlando’s own Trumpet Blues Band until March of this year.

Survived by two sons: Bill Thomas, Jr of Rochester, New York and Phillip Thomas of Rockledge, FL and four Grandchildren and two Great Grandchildren. He is also survived by five siblings, Terry Thomas, Ellen Franklin and Judy Obenland from Illinois and Sandy Redinbo and Penny Thomas from Indianna.

Bill was predeceased by his wife Ann and daughter Tracy and sister Jody.