William Richard Thomas

William Richard Thomas, lovingly known as “Billy,” passed away on January 7, 2025 at the age of 28. Born on April 2, 1996, in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, Billy was a shining light in the lives of everyone who knew him.

Billy was raised in Hoffman Estates lovingly surrounded nearby by a large extended family in which he cherished frequent affectionate gatherings, holidays and life events. His grandparents as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins strongly embraced him and enthusiastically supported him in every endeavor.

Billy graduated from Hoffman Estates High School, where he excelled both academically and athletically. He successfully challenged himself with several honors classes and was an exceptional athlete. In high school he continued with some of the same sports he participated in as a youth including soccer, track and field, cross country, and wrestling. He was a member of the national honor society and the marching band. He continued his academic journey at Butler University, earning degrees in both Computer Science and Recording Industry Studies. While at Butler, Billy was a valued member of the track and cross-country team and an active participant in the Butler Music Association, where he shared his love of music production.

A dedicated software engineer, Billy worked for several tech startups, bringing his talent and creativity to every project. Outside of his career, music was a cornerstone of Billy’s life. He could play multiple instruments including drums and guitar and was a gifted pianist from a young age. He composed, recorded, and performed his music live with the stage name “One Dollar Bill”.

Billy’s adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors were evident in his many travels and activities. Childhood summers began with fun times at YMCA youth camp where he proudly became a Junior Leader. Trips to the beach with his family, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins were among his favorite memories. He explored Iceland and Europe, as well as numerous U.S. National Parks, cities and museums with his parents and sister. With a willingness to try new foods he enjoyed sharing meals, involving many different cuisines, with family and friends.

Billy shared a creative soul in Indianapolis with his dear friend Emily whom he met in the music program at Butler. Billy contributed his talents on keyboards to helping Emily bring out the powerful emotion in her music as they performed gigs across the Midwest.

Billy’s life also included a close-knit group of friends he developed in Indianapolis, a group that reflected all that was good in Billy. Together, their adventures included; scaling rock faces, pedaling as a group through the city, caravans to the infield at the 500, Monster truck rallies as well as birthdays and holidays celebrations filled with laughter. When One Dollar Bill took to the stage in Indianapolis it was with enthusiasm as his friends were always in the audience, their cheers and whoops echoing loud.

Billy was a very dedicated dog-father to his beloved rescue Smokey who shared his easy going, friendly personality.

Billy will be remembered as a beautiful soul—honest, kind, thoughtful, and caring. He touched the lives of everyone he met with his warmth and sincerity.

He is survived by his parents, Bill and Wendy Thomas; his sister, Megan Thomas; his grandparents, Margaret and Richard Ward, grandfather Richard Thomas as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins who cherished him deeply. Billy was preceded in death by his grandmother, Susan Thomas; his cousin, Daniel Thomas; and his aunts, Marcy Thomas and T.C. Herzog.

Billy’s life was a testament to love, family, friendship and the pursuit of beauty in all things. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered by those who loved him.

A visitation gathering starting at 9am followed by a Funeral Mass at 10am will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at St. Hubert Catholic Church, 729 Grand Canyon St., Hoffman Estates, IL

A Celebration of Billy’s life will also be held that same Saturday from 12pm to 4pm at Stonegate Banquet & Conference center, 2401 W Higgins Rd., Hoffman Estates, IL

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Second Helpings of Indianapolis where Billy performed for their annual Tonic Ball charity event.