Retired Lt. Col. Billie Thomas, 83, passed away peacefully April 19, 2021, from non-COVID related health issues at Riverview Hospital with his children by his side. He resided in Middletown, New Jersey, and Oak Hill, New York.
Billie graduated the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1962 and served over 20 years in the U.S. Army, including two tours in Vietnam. He held a master’s degree in electrical engineering, a subject he later taught at West Point.
Billie was predeceased by his wife Jacqueline Splain. He is survived by his daughter Bonnie Thomas of Fair Haven; son Patrick Thomas of Rumson; three grandsons, Jack Thomas, James Thomas and Nicolas Thomas; and three siblings, Skip Stambaugh, Sue Gardner and Bobby Joe Thomas of New Mexico.
In addition to his heroics defending his country as a U.S. Army Ranger and Jungle School graduate, Billie was a friend and mentor to everyone he met throughout his life, always overcoming adversity and leaving lasting impressions. His life was inspirational, purposeful and full.
A memorial gathering was held April 25 with a service at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Middletown VFW, 1 Veteran’s Lane, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758.
The article originally appeared in the April 29 – May 5, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
