Mr. William B. Thomas

William B. Thomas, age 85, died September 22, 2011, in Houston, after a brief illness. Bill and his family moved to Houston in 1961 from Venezuela. Bill went to Venezuela in 1948, after serving in the Army during World War II and attending Oklahoma A&M.

Bill was preceded in death in 2009 by his beloved wife Barbara, his grandson Bill Mizelle and his son-in-law Ray White. He is survived by daughters Suzie Thomas White, Betty Othold and her husband Rod and Cindy Mizelle and her husband Don. Bill loved his girls and they adored him. He was a devoted and loving grandfather to granddaughters Katie Hengst and her husband Tres, Maggie and Emily Othold and grandson Thomas Mizelle. He was a proud and doting great grandfather to Annalise Barbara Hengst. He is also survived by brother Buddy and sister Carolyn and numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Bill. He was always there for his family and friends.

Bill was a pioneer in the Venezuelan oilfield industry, working in many different facets, most recently in procurement through his company, A-Z Exports. He was a self-made man of unquestioned integrity. Bill was a proud and long-time member of NOMADS and regularly attended their meetings.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, October 1, at 11:00 a.m., at Earthman Hunter’s Creek. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations in Bill’s memory to NOMADS Scholarship Fund (c/o Wanda Baker, 1746-16 Cloister, Crosby, TX 77532) or the charity of your choice.