Willie C. Thomas, Jr. “Papa”
May 14, 1950 to January 10, 2023
Putnam – Willie C. Thomas, Jr. “Papa”, of 97 School Street, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2023 in Putnam surrounded by his family. He was the loving husband of Darleen Salvas, they were together for 32 years. Born in Lumpkin, Georgia, he was the son of the late Willie C. Thomas, Sr. and Julia (Banks) Thomas.
Mr. Thomas worked as a supervisor of slot operations at Mohegan Sun for 20 years and retired in 2015. He was the owner of Thomas Painting in the early 90s and as many know his first love was for music which led him into the DJ scene, he was also an expert on the keyboard and mixer but could play any instrument. Willie was someone who you could meet randomly on the street and it would feel as though you’ve known him for years with his bright and chatty personality.
Willie is survived by his daughters Jada Thomas of Dayville, CT and Holly Thomas and her fiancé Jesse of Hartland, VT. He was a devoted grandfather to his two grandchildren, Hayden and Jayce. He is also survived by his brothers, Kelvin Thomas and his wife Mercedes of New York, James “TJ” Thomas and his wife Carolyn of Georgia, and his sisters, Letitia Threats and Sherilyn Thomas of Rhode Island as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Robert Thomas and his first wife, Hope.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
Dane Sheak
This breaks my heart. I worked with Willie at the casino for many years. I always enjoyed working with him, talking to him about music and just seeing him smile. He was such a good man who always had time for his friends and family.
I am truly honored to have known him and to call him a true friend.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends. He will be missed.
Shirley Tripp
my prayers to Willie T’s family…I worked with Willie at Mohegan for a lot of years. We started off as slot attendants together .Always loved working with him. Rest in peace my friend.
Tonza Thomas
Uncle Jr, I will always love you and you know why! Rest Easy until we meet again…
Linda Lionetti
I met Willie at Mohegan Sun. Such a great guy! He was the one that told me to come to slots. I loved working with him. He was always having fun and just enjoying life. He will be truly missed!
Edward Kenney
Willie was a friend to everyone he met. An endearing man with a sharp sense of humor. I also was fortunate to know Wille through work. We had many a deep conversation about life, love and happiness. He had a happy outlook on life that was so easy to see in his face. First he was my supervisor, then a mentor when I became a supervisor. Lots of good and fun times with Willie! I’ll miss you my friend. Rest In Peace and condolences to his loving family.
gloria booker
Sorry for your loss
Phillip
Willie was a great guy who always offered a warm hello and a smile to everyone. I worked with Willie for many years and we shared many laugh’s together. He always had a positive outlook on life and I am blessed to have known him.
My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Clifton Perkins
I worked with Willie at Mohegan. We would talk about all kinds of things as we walked the floor. He was a great person and one of the best Floor Managers we had. He was ALWAYS upbeat and had a big smile.
I will always remember that smile Willie.
I’m sorry we didn’t get to go fishing as we had talked about.
God speed Willie! Rest easy