William Thomas of Sawyerville died this week at age 70. Thomas, a native of Hale County, had deep roots and family connections throughout the county. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran whose career took him far, but he returned to family land in Sawyerville to retire.
A civic leader throughout his life, Thomas served on the city council of Niceville, Fla., among deep involvements with many other community organizations and initiatives during his time there.
When Thomas returned to Hale County, that commitment to community involvement continued. He was an instrumental figure in the establishment of the local Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter for Hale and Greene counties, as well as in improvements at Lock 6 park in Sawyerville and many other efforts toward making the community he loved so much a better place.
When Thomas saw a need, he was compelled to work for a solution. He established a helipad at his home in Sawyerville to allow more rapid emergency medical access for the aging population of his rural community. He was a regular presence at county commission and city council meetings, advocating for a better Hale County for all. And Thomas made a difference for countless individuals and families, as well, in ways great and small.
His life, and his work, for which he never sought recognition or praise, touched many lives throughout the Black Belt and beyond.
Funeral arrangements and a complete obituary were not yet available as of press time, and will instead be published in a future edition of the Watchman.
