Columbus, OH — Billie Ray Thomas of Northville, Mich., passed away Saturday (Sept. 26), at the age of 85.

Thomas was born on March 8, 1935, to the late William and Gladys Thomas in Pascola, Missouri. He operated a small stable in Michigan for decades, having amassed 146 training wins from the establishment of training records in 1991 until his retirement in 2019.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Thomas; children, Billy Ray Jr. (Sharon), Anthony Wayne (Karen), Cynthia Priestly, Gwendolyn Defiore, Brian Keith, and Jason Allen (Nicole); grandchildren, Brennan, Brett, Christine, Matthew, Kaitie, Kyle, Annie, Callie, Emily and J.T.; and sox great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Phyllis Cummings and Janet Thompson.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday (Sept. 30), from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home, 122 West Lake Street, South Lyon, Michigan.