Dr. William "Bill" Edwin Thomas

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Visitation Schedule
Roller-Owens Funeral Home
5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd
North Little Rock, AR  72116
Thursday, September 5, 2019
6:00 - 8:00 P.M.
Service Schedule
Agape Church
701 Napa Valley Drive
Little Rock, AR  72211
Friday, September 6, 2019
10:00 A.M.
Cemetery
Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery
1500 Maryland Ave.
North Little Rock, AR  72120
Memorial Contributions
Agape Church, C\O Youth Ministry
701 Napa Valley Drive
Little Rock, AR  72116
I served in the Air Force.
Dr. William "Bill" Edwin ThomasI am a Veteran.

of North Little Rock, AR

January 1, 1935 - August 28, 2019

Dr. William (Bill) Edwin Thomas, 84, of North Little Rock, passed away on August 28, 2019. Bill was born in Cairo, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Claudia Thomas, two sisters, Anita Perry and Shirley Thomas, and one brother, Norman Thomas.

He is survived by his wife, Majoice Thomas; children, Anjanette Brooks (Thurman), to this union was born two daughters, Jordyn and Jessica Brooks; Marcus Thomas (Erina), to this union was born two sons, Joshua and Brandon Thomas; Joyce Johnson (Ron); Sharon Thomas; Billy Thomas.

Bill served his country as a Non-Commissioned Officer in the United States Air Force for almost ten years and upon being honorably discharged served in the Reserves for another 6 years.

After being discharged from his military duties, Bill enrolled in Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, IL where he received his BS Degree in Elementary Education. Two years later, Bill received his MSE in Administration from Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN. Not being content to stop with these two degrees, Bill completed his Doctorate (PhD) three years later in Educational Administration at Purdue University. Bill was a strong advocate of education and went on to complete Post Doctoral Studies at Harvard Graduate School in Cambridge, MA.

Bill was a strong believer and lived his faith. He was active in his church, Agape Church, having served as a Life Group leader for six years and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Agape College for ten years. In addition, Bill attended Agape Layman's School and fulfilled the requirements to be awarded an Agape College Diploma.

Bill's long and illustrious career in education began in 1967 as an elementary Math and Science teacher in Gary, IN. He encouraged students to have a ''can do'' attitude about everything they attempted. After completing his Masters Degree, Bill left the elementary classroom and served as an Administrative Assistant to the Dean in the School of Humanities at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN. It was there he established a mentoring program for underachieving students. Being a life long learner, Bill was not content to stop with the Masters Degree. Upon receiving his PhD. in 1972, Bill left Purdue to become the first Director of Black Studies at DePauw University in Greencastle, IN. Because of his efforts, a Black Cultural Center was established on the campus. After one more ''tour of service'' at Purdue University as Director of Special Academic Services, Dr. Thomas left the higher education arena and began an equally long and productive career in the public school setting, having returned to his hometown of Cairo, IL to serve as Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent. He planned and implemented many curriculum programs and community relations programs.

One of the many notable achievements of Dr. Thomas was being appointed the first Black Superintendent of Schools in Carbondale, IL. He labored diligently to facilitate and resolve serious morale problems in the district and community. In 1987, one of the largest public school systems in the US beckoned him- the New Orleans Public School District in Louisiana. He served as Area Superintendent for four years, developing and implementing innovative programs such as distance and satellite learning in Geography, Japanese, and Statistics.

In 1991, Dr. Thomas once again made history: he was appointed the first Black Superintendent of the Greenville Public School District, Greenville, MS. He was instrumental in successfully leading the district through a serious fiscal crisis.

Philander Smith College, Little Rock, AR, was in need of a Dean of Academic Affairs. So in 1995, Dr. Thomas took the reins and guided and coordinated the college in receiving accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. During his tenure, he was able to establish many successful programs, including a partnership with the Little Rock School District for an after-school tutoring and mentoring program for homeless students.

After leaving Philander Smith College, Dr. Thomas, became Chief Academic Officer of the Altheimer Unified School District and later led the district as Superintendent until 2006. Due to aggressive measures to turn around a poorly performing district, Dr. Thomas was able to lift the district out of Academic Distress.

For a very short period of time (about 18 months), Dr. Thomas retired. However, he reentered the workforce from 2008-2013. The Arkansas Juvenile Assessment and Treatment Center was the beneficiary of Dr. Thomas' strong leadership skills, his ability to develop people, his years of experience, and his uncanny knack to get young people to believe in themselves. However, in February 2013, Dr. Thomas did retire and enjoyed his ''just resting and relaxing'' status until the Master called him home on August 28, 2019.

In addition to his immediate family, Bill leaves to mourn his passing four nieces and nephews, eighteen cousins, and numerous other extended family members. Bill will be remembered by many, many long time friends, former co-workers, associates, students and others whose lives he may have impacted along the way.

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, September 5, 2019 at Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72116. Funeral Services will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 6, 2019 at Agape Church, 701 Napa Valley Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas 72211. Burial, with military honors, will be at 1:00 p.m., following the funeral, in the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, North Little Rock, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Agape Church Youth Ministry in remembrance of Dr. Thomas.

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8 Condolence(s)
Majoice Thomas
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, September 30, 2019

On behalf of the Thomas family, I’d like to thank all who expressed condolences whether by email, text, phone calls, cards, or in person. Your kind words, thoughts, and prayers are appreciated. God bless each of you.

Evelyn Lovelace
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 24, 2019

MaJoyce, my sincere condolences on the loss of your husband. Though I never met him, your devotion to him was evident. You will continually be in my prayers.

Norma J. McDavid
Metcalfe, MS
Liked
Sunday, September 8, 2019

God Bless the Thomas Family!!!

Jerry White
Springfield, IL
Liked
Friday, September 6, 2019

Dr. Thomas came back to Cairo in 1979, with Great Leadership & vision, that was cut short when he left. Dr. & Mrs. Thomas helped/assisted with Boyscouts & other city activities. I miss Dr. Thomas, Mrs. Thomas, Jan & Marcus. My ultimate & sincere condolences goes out to The Thomas Family.

Dr. & Mrs. Albert Calvin, Jr.
Greenville, MS
Liked
Friday, September 6, 2019

On behalf of the Mount Horeb Missionary Baptist Church family of Greenville, Mississippi, our prayers and best wishes are extended to Mrs. Thomas and family. May God continue to comfort each of you at this time of bereavement. Take care and be blessed!

Lisa Shaw
Moline, IL
Liked
Wednesday, September 4, 2019

I never had the opportunity to meet Mr. Thomas, but from his obituary he was a true, genuine and faithful servant sent from above. He has touched many lives and has made a huge difference in this world. I have the privilege of working with his son Marcus and know what a fine young man he has become. What a legacy to leave behind for others to follow! My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time and as you face the days ahead.

Dr. Re’Dhonda Malone
Norcross, GA
Liked
Monday, September 2, 2019

My mentor and dear friend, Dr. Thomas was undoubtedly one of the most influential people in my life. Who would’ve guessed that my former Superintendent would serve as a pillar in my inner circle and support system. His wisdom, sometimes hard truths and love followed me through high school, college, and graduate school. His words and our famous birthday chats will live within my fondest memories. I will miss his laugh most of all. I extend my love and prayers of comfort to Mrs. Thomas and his beloved family.

Mick and Fran Lathrop
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Saturday, August 31, 2019

Forever in our hearts. Bill was a very caring person and showed love to everyone. May the whole family know you are in our prayers and God`s love surround you.