It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Willie “Bill” Harmon Thrasher Jr., aged 72, who left this world on February 8, 2025, surrounded by his daughter, Christina Thrasher Paul, at Marliere Hospice House in New Port Richey, FL. Bill was born in Plant City, FL, to his late parents, Willie Harmon Thrasher and Norma Kate Thrasher (Douglas).
Bill is survived by his loving family members who meant the world to him: Daughter, Christina Thrasher Paul, his sisters Sandra Parrish of Lake Wales, Florida, Barbara Hill of Banks, Alabama, Linda Dixon (Donald) of Plant City, Florida, and brother Mack Neil Thrasher of Banks, Alabama.
A man of many talents and passions, Bill attended Polk Community College and pursued a career in Architecture/Construction, leaving his mark on the industry. But his greatest service was in the United States Army, where he bravely served during the Vietnam War from 1970-1971 and remained in the Reserves until 1976. Bill’s acts of heroism earned him the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and The Bronze Star for going above and beyond the call of duty in combat.
Beyond his achievements, Bill was known for his love of the great outdoors, finding solace in hunting, fishing, camping, metal detecting, and hiking. His patriotism shone brightly, embodying the principles of the Soldier’s Creed each day. Bill’s dedication to his country, friends, and family was unwavering, making him a treasured son, brother, father, and friend.
A small service to honor Bill’s remarkable life will be held at the Bushnell National Cemetery on Friday, March 7, 2025, at 9:30 am. Bill’s legacy of bravery, love, and friendship will forever be cherished and dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
In closing, let us remember Bill as the best of the best – a man of honor, courage, and unwavering loyalty. May his spirit live on in the hearts of those who loved him dearly.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Bill’s name for Veterans with PTSD to the Gary Sinise Foundation PO Box 40726 Nashville, TN 37204, or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.
Christina Thrasher Paul
February 12, 2025, 5:19 pm
I love you so much dad and miss you terribly every day. You are always in my heart and will carry your spirit with me always.
Love your always loving daughter,
Christina
Barbara Thrasher Hill
February 12, 2025, 10:17 pm
February 12, 2025
Barbara Thrasher Hill
Bill was the youngest of us five kids so it is really a shock that he went first. Sandra and I tried to stay close to him by having him over for lunch every other week when he lived in Winter Haven. He had lived in Arizona for some time so we were glad when he moved back to Florida near us. We really missed him again when he moved to Hudson. Our hearts are broken with the loss.
Barbara
Teresa Hancock
February 13, 2025, 12:58 am
Bill was a wonderful friend. We have so many wonderful memories of him, fishing, at the hunting camp, sitting around a fire and listening to him tell stories. Our kids loved Uncle Bill and he was one of Lou’s favorite best friends, mine also. We loved him deeply.
Praying for peace and comfort for you Christina in the days ahead. Love you
Abe Calvillo
February 14, 2025, 8:56 am
Gold wild billl as he called himself was a very special person to me here In Arizona! He got me a job along side him when I was very young at the age of 19, he seen I was a single father at the time I would often come in from a hard labor job while carrying new born son whose mother I was separated from in to the apartment complex we lived in here in Phoenix..he always thought I looked like I was working to hard….so we wanted to do something about that, very young in our friendship! He offered me to come work with him as a maintenance tech at the Very first mall that was ever built in Phoenix Arizona called “Park Central Mall” I took that chance and it was one of the best decisions I ever made in my life! It may not sound like the greatest decisions but it was not because of the job description but for the great friendship we created and all the great teaching he gave me that no one had ever even attempted to even try for me in my life or were I come from! Over the course of nine years Bill, Will ,Willy of El Gallo or what ever we called him was the father my father could not be for me! He taught me several of the trades he had mastered in his life! To this day I can practically build my own house, he taught me everything from electrical , framing , drywall, painting, how to supervise and manage lol he was really good at that! How to be more responsible in life and have goals and encouraged me to work on keeping my family together! Another few things I am very greatful for bill is the time he invested in me and my oldest boys as they grew up taking us camping teaching us how to fish and survival skills that he swore we will need one day in life! He was a real dooms dayer wich in todays world I see why he was very set on teaching me to be able to take care of my family Incase of a emergency, when the pandemic hit he talked almost every week and he would repeat and repeat “ I told you kid” it’s coming! I missed him so much during that time, I missed him so much we he decided to go back to Florida,and I miss him so much to this day. I tried my very hardest for him not to leave because I knew I would not see him much any more because of my fear of flying… it was really tuff for me! To this day bills love affection and teaching lives through me and around me! The new born baby that I would wok up with every day is now United States Marine wich he helped influence, my second oldest is a very responsible man who is willing to try anything at least once! I ended up marrying the mother of my children and have now been together for almost 25 years! I now work for myself I Own a small Resturant, Barbershop, a Tax Office, and wheel and deal in a couple other small businessess, When I finally left the mall at the age of 28, roughly about a year after bill moved back to Florida I bought and rundown foreclosed home that was not livable free and clear and I walked in with a sledge hammer and all the teaching this great man had taught me and I was able fix the home up for My family wich we live in to this day! I have lost someone truly special in my life ..I wish I was a better friend and not so much a lil bitch as he would call me for being afraid of flying and not coming to his homes in Florida that he was so proud of! I will continue to miss him as so much my family will aswell we are clearly indebted to this man and have no problem saying it ! Heaven a gained a angel for real! You will be missed old man! Till we meet again! -Abe & Miriam the Boys Daniel, Benji, Jr , Miamor 😔♥️🙏🏾
Donna Hooker-Thomas
March 7, 2025, 3:50 pm
Bill, you will be missed by so many. I was so glad you and I remained friends over the years, so many special memories when we were just kids❤️
I will always cherish the good times we
Shared.
Always 🩷🙏