THOMAS, William J. (Bill)

Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, AZ Wednesday, May 11, 2011 William J. "Bill" Thomas, 74, died May 6, 2011 in Hobbs, N.M. He was born April 2, 1937, in Flagstaff, to Flgastaff natives John and Mary Agnes Thomas. He graduated from St. Anthony's/Flagstaff High School in 1955 and from Arizona State College (NAU) in 1961. Mr. Thomas was an avid bowler and was the state singles champion in 1961. He owned Thunderbird Games in Blythe, Calif. His high game was 299. After selling the bowling alley, he moved to Hobbs, N.M., where he met and married his wife, Ruby. He moved back to Flagstaff and was a Farmers Insurance agent until he retired to Rimrock. He worked at Beaver Creek and Verde Santa Fe golf courses. Before he moved back to Hobbs, he worked at Cliff Castle Casino, where he was a frequent customer. Mr. Thomas loved fishing, camping, golf and sports. He was an avid NAU sports fan, driving around for miles to find the Lumberjacks on the radio. Mr. Thomas is survived by his wife, Ruby; son Bobby (Ellen) of Reno, Nev.; daughter Kathy of Sacramento; stepson Jay; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchidlren; sisters Marilyn Gomez of Flagstaff, Barbara (Randolph) Scott of Las Cruces, N.M. and Margaret (Chris) Hull of Flagstaff; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Sharon Rayner. A celebration of his life will be in July at Lake Mary.