William "Charles" Thomas was born on December 11, 1949, in Meridian, Mississippi to the late Leo and Mary Thomas. He was raised there until he decided to leave home in search of opportunity. He worked as a farmhand and later traveled for seasonal work, picking fruits and vegetables from Georgia to New York. These early years shaped his strength, discipline, and determination to build a better life.

Charles traveled to Idaho and joined Job Corps. There, he learned the trade of heavy equipment operation. That skill became a lifelong profession and a blessing to his family. In 1969, he arrived in Rockford, Illinois. When he first came to the city, he lived at the YMCA while getting established and finding steady work.

He worked at the Chrysler Plant before joining Local 150. He later became a heavy equipment operator for Rockford Blacktop. He was respected for his dependability, work ethic, and pride in doing things the right way. He retired from Rockford Blacktop in 2015 after many years of dedicated service. On weekends, he worked as a limousine driver, taking pride in serving others and staying busy. He was also a Mason and valued brotherhood, service, and integrity. In 1996, he fulfilled a lifelong dream when he became a licensed pilot, a goal he pursued with focus and determination.

Charles was a loving father to three children. His eldest daughter is Shanreka Horton. He was united in marriage to Dewanda Evans, and from that union were born Mary Thomas and Theo Thomas. He was also a devoted stepfather to Nina Campbell and Dawn Nalls. He was richly blessed with twelve grandchildren and two great grandchildren, all of whom he loved deeply.

He had three siblings. He leaves to cherish his memory, his brother, Leo Jones. He was preceded in death by his brother, Tyrone Jones, and his sister, Sherrie Thomas.

He enjoyed life beyond his work. He loved fishing and horseback riding. He was an avid jogger and was a member at the YMCA. He also enjoyed golfing and spending time at the gun range. His passion for airplanes never faded, and flying remained one of his joys.

He was preceded in death by dear friends Edward Higgins, Sam Hardy, and Prince Hearns. He leaves behind cherished friends Tom Jackson, Don Bishop, and Sam Baptise, along with a host of family and friends who will forever remember his strength, faith, and steady presence.

His earthly journey has ended, but his legacy lives on. He fought a good fight. He finished his course. He kept the faith. His life stands as a testimony of perseverance, purpose, and God's sustaining grace. His memory will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

On January 5, 2026, God called him from labor to reward in Rockford, Illinois.

Services will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Carl E. Ponds Funeral Home Inc. 200 N. Johnston Ave. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held 8:00 a.m. until the time of service.