William (Bill) Stephen Thomas was born in Oakland, California to Phillip (Vucovich) Thomas and Louise Novey Thomas on September 9, 1943. He passed away at the age of 82 on October 9, 2025 while in Memory Support at The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens, Fresno, California.
Bill spent his childhood in Salinas and Watsonville, California as well as Colorado Springs, Colorado. He served in the United States Marine Corp and Marine Corp Reserves. While living in Fresno he attended Fresno State University, graduating with a Masters Degree in Urban and Regional Planning. Bill worked as a Planner for the City of Fresno and the Building Industry Association. Moving from Fresno to Mendocino County and Eureka, California, he was a grant writer and administrator. He enjoyed his retirement years in St George, Utah.
He was a long-time fan of the Los Angeles Rams and Fresno State Football Bulldogs, and in his retirement years, enjoyed the challenge of successful investing in the stock market.
Bill is survived by his wife, Carolynn (Schmidt), of 47 years, his brother Paul Thomas, his stepchildren, Sharon L Robert and William L Robert and wife Brenda, two grandchildren – Alexander and Aria Robert, and many loving cousins. During each holiday season Bill enjoyed the Schmidt family Christmas celebration along with his in-laws, Myrna and Danny Villanueva, Ron and Rosemary Schmidt, and Cherri and Nick Nicholson.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, October 25 at 2:00 p.m. at The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens, 5555 N. Fresno Street, Fresno, California. A family internment will take place at The Reedley Cemetery. Donations can be made to Hinds LifeCare, 2490 W. Shaw Ave., Ste. 101, Fresno, California 93711.
