SPARTANBURG - The beautiful life of love of Deacon William Thomas, 86, of 2951 Cowpens- Pacolet Road, widower of Sadie Mae Thomas, came to a close on Monday, Dec. 29, 2008, at 10:43 p.m. at his home.

Son of the late Pryor Thomas and the late Mary Wilkins Thomas, he was born on May 27, 1921, in Cherokee County. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by three sons, Andrew Thomas, Eddie Lee Thomas and Larry Foster; and two daughters-inlaw, Darlene Huskey Thomas and Barber T. Thomas.

At an early age he joined Green Bethel Baptist Church, where he served faithfully. At Green Bethel, he was a deacon for 67 years and served as its chairman, president of Sunday School Department, Sunday School teacher, member of the All Male Choir and president of the Vocal Choir.

He was a veteran of

World War II and a member of Salem Grand Shrine Temple of Bessemer City, N.C., and Tryon Masonic Lodge No. 8 of Shelby.

Surviving are two sons, James William Thomas of the home and Johnny Wayne Thomas of Allentown, Pa.; nine grandchildren, four of them, Valerie Thomas, Angela Hamilton, Kimberly Graham and Sabrina Thomas were reared in the home; 35 greatgrandchildren; three greatgreat grandchildren; three daughters-in-law, Lelia Thomas, Judy Foster and Ruth Tinsley; and a host of other relatives.

Services will be held Sunday, Jan. 4, at 2 p.m. at Green Bethel Baptist Church with the Revs. Mills McHam, Donald Rodgers, Kerwin Wray, James Patton, Tony Macomson, Virgil Harris and Timothy Posey, Dr. J.W. Sanders Sr. and Dr. Antonio Smith officiating. Interment, with military rites, will be in the church cemetery. Body will be placed in the church at 1 p.m.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of Tryon Masonic Lodge No. 8 and Salem Grand Shrine Temple. Honorary flower bearers will be members of the Eastern Star.

Pallbearers will be members of the Pacolet Race Club.

Arrangements by Foster Funeral Home, Gaffney.