William Thomas

William Reber Thomas died on November 24, 2017 at home. He was born on May 25, 1934 in Altoona, PA. He was the son of the late Franklin Hart Thomas and the late Marguerite Viola Woodring Thomas. He was known by family and friends as Reber or Bill.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, William Reber Thomas, Jr. His sisters - Mary Gault, Elizabeth "Betty" McCallister, Laura Deavor, Grace Hower , and Linda Salinger, his brother-in-laws William "Mack" McMullan and Floyd L. "Chip" McMullan.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Nancye F. McMullan Thomas; daughter and son-in-law, Peggy and Ron Whitcomb who were his primary caregivers for the last 5 years. Grandchildren: Darr and Dakotah Whitcomb, David, Ashley and Amy Thomas. Sister, Susan Thomas. In-laws, Kenneth and Bay McMullan. Many family members including nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews. And his dog, Charlie.

He served in the Navy for 22 years and retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer (RMCS) in 1973. After the Navy, he worked for Xerox and Washington Metro Area Transportation Authority (WMATA) where he retired a second time. He was a Ham Radio Operator and went by the ham code WB4HVA. He grew up in Central Pennsylvania, attended the Scotland School for Veterans Children until he enlisted in the US Navy at age 16. He was a life member of the Henry Knox Field Masonic Lodge #349, a 32rd Degree Member of the Scottish Rite in Alexandria, VA , a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and a life member of the American Legion Post 1995, Centreville, VA VFW.

Interment for Bill and his wife Nancye will take place at Arlington National Cemetery on Friday, May 21, 2021 at 11 am.  Those who would like to attend should contact their daughter, Peggy Whitcomb for day of service information.  In lieu of flowers donation can be made in his name to SSVC Alumni Association, PO Box 129, Scotland, PA 17254.

Services entrusted to Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home and Crematory, 330-928-2147.