Willard Lee Thomas (USN ret.), 85, of Panama City, died November 8, 2019. He was born September 5, 1934 at home on St. Andrews Bay in the beautiful community of Cromanton (now Tyndall AFB).He was the son of the late Caleb Nathaniel Thomas and Anna Harrison Thomas. After his education in the Bay County public schools, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. During the Vietnam War, he served with distinction aboard both the USS Ticonderoga and Saratoga in the Gulf of Tonkin. After his retirement, he was employed by the Weiser Lock Co. in Los Angeles. In his later years, he returned home to Panama City and was a member of the First Assembly of God. He enjoyed life at his home in the woods of Bear Creek, along with travels with his three sisters, and was a devout Christian, patriot, and gentleman. He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters: Myrtice Thomas, Clarice Thurman, and Annie Merle Waldrop; two brothers: Jewel T. Thomas and C.N. Thomas, Jr. He is survived by his devoted sister, Ozella McLeod and several loving nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends at Wilson Funeral Home on Friday, November 15, 2019 from 5-7 pm. Family graveside services will be conducted on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 2:00 pm in the Callaway Cemetery. The Rev. Craig Brannon will officiate along with military honors. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Emerald Coast Hospice, 5111 N. 12th Ave., Pensacola, FL 32504.