William Carl Thomas Jr., 79, son of William Carl Thomas and Pauline Lentz, passed away September 5, 2018, in New Port Richey, Florida. He was born in Charlotte, North Carolina and spent his early years in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where his parents owned T & C Court and later Ocean Pines. He was a member of St. Phillip Lutheran Church in Myrtle Beach.
He graduated from Fork Union Military Academy and attended The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. He later joined the United States Army and as a Radio Communications Specialist, served in the 101st Airborne Division stationed in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. At the time of his discharge, he was a Specialist Fourth Class.
After his service in the Army, he worked for National Cash Register in Greenville, South Carolina and Tulsa, Oklahoma. It has been said that Carl could sell just about anything. He was also known as a character and someone who could make you laugh. When he retired, he moved to Florida.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Miriam Owens. He is survived by his three children, William Carl Thomas III (Trey) of Portland, Oregon, R. Brad Thomas and wife, Stephanie Lewis of Spartanburg, South Carolina and Katherine Leeann Soos and her husband, John James Soos of Ocala, Florida; six grandchildren, Chase Long, Lauren Thomas, Lexy Thomas, Nicholas Thomas, Riley Thomas and Ailey “AJ” Thomas; one great-grandchild, Georgia Long; nephews, Tommy Owens and David Owens of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and many friends.
Graveside services with Military Honors will be held at 10:30AM on Monday, September 10, 2018, at Florida National Cemetery. The cemetery is located at 6502 102nd Avenue SW, Bushnell, Florida. For those planning to attend the service, they should arrive at the cemetery no earlier than 10:15AM.
Friends, family, and those who served with William are invited to share a memory and sign his guestbook below.
