Willie Lawrence Thomas

Willie Lawrence Thomas was born on September 13, 1945, in Lithonia, GA to the late Rubin and Elnora Thomas. At a young age, Willie gave his life to Christ at Moses Tabernacle COGIC. Willie attended Bruce School in Lithonia, GA, and was known for being a star football player. He was very passionate about it and would often say he would rather play football than to eat.
Later, Willie married his “Baby Doll”, Veola Hughey on February 19, 1990. Together they united their families and began a life centered on the word of God and evangelism. Together, they founded and Pastored the Church of Life Deliverance Tabernacle in Lula, GA. Willie also played a fundamental role in the building of the church, along with his brother Elder Henry Thomas.
Willie work in several trade areas, such as trucking and masonry with his brother Henry, and retired from Prime Pack in Gainesville, GA. Willie was well known in Georgia and many surrounding states for evangelism, knocking on doors, witnessing to others, and singing. He openly professed and displayed his love for Christ. He would travel faithfully and set up his tent for summer revivals, gospel tent nights, and prayer services, all to fulfill the call on his life to spread the gospel and bring souls to Jesus Christ.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Rubin and Elnora Thomas; his brothers, Charles Franklin and Anthony Thomas; Her sisters, Ruby Daugherty, Rosemary Hamm, and Carol Thomas; stepson Apostle Roderick L. (Velmeka) Hughey, Sr.; two sister in laws, Mary Thomas and Eloise Thomas; and leaves the following to cherish his precious memories: His devoted wife of 34 years, Pastor Veola H. Thomas; two sons, Michael and Tracey Thomas; three daughters, Cheryl (O’Brien) Brown, Fennis (Crawford) Bailey, and Angela (Wayne) McKinley; two brothers, Henry Thomas, and Theris (Toxi) Thomas; one sister, Belinda (Rick) Haynes; one sister in law Maria Lewis; stepson, Jeffrey Malone; two stepdaughters, Hattie Malone and Lorraine Parks; Twenty-nine grandchildren; Twenty-five great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, extended family, and friends.
Willie will be remembered as “The Singing Evangelist”, a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. His voice, spirit, and passion will forever echo in the hearts of all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 1:00 PM. Visitation will be held on Friday between the hours of 1:00 PM- 8:00 PM. Family will receive friends between the hours of 6:00 PM- 8:00 PM. Professional Services Entrusted to Wimberly Funeral Home.