| William John Thomas, Jr., 73, of 2599 Shadow Drive, South Pymatuning Township, formerly of Tree Top Lane, Hermitage, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes Wednesday April 16, 2014, in the emergency room of Sharon Regional Health System. Bill was born May 25, 1940, in Sharon, to William John Thomas and Elizabeth Tedford Thomas. He attended Sharon schools and The Cranbrook School, Bloomfield, Michigan, and was considered a member of Sharon's Class of 1958. He was a 1967 graduate of Youngstown State University, where he received a bachelor of science degree in business administration. He served in the United States Coast Guard. Bill was the founder and chief executive officer of Colonial Metal Products in Stateline Industrial Park, Hermitage, and a member of Grace Chapel Community Church, Hermitage. Bill had a passion for auto racing since his early teens. He was the owner of sprint cars driven by Ralph Quarterson and the late Lou Blaney and also the owner of Lou’s modified car. His passion for auto racing was passed on to his son Will and, together, they founded Will Thomas Motorsports. As a champion car owner, he was inducted into the Twin State Hall of Fame in 2011. Bill was a member of Avalon Golf and Country Club and a former longtime member of the Sharon Social Fishing Club on Lake Muskoka, Ontario, Canada. Bill is survived by his wife, the former Jean Buckley; a daughter, Heather Thomas Elmobasher; a son, William J. Thomas III and his wife Tammy; two grandchildren, Welleed and Emily Elmobasher; and a sister, Elizabeth Trace. He was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial service was held Tuesday, April 22, in Grace Chapel Community Church, Hermitage, with the Rev. Larry Haynes, pastor, officiating. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery, Hermitage. Arrangements were by the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, 1090 E. State St., Sharon. |  |
