Born in in 1930, Thomas started rodeoing in 1948 and bought his RCA card in 1953. Later he held cards in the SNCA, SRA, and the IRA. In the beginning, he put his rope on backwards as an amateur and got chuckles from many of the seasoned pros until they saw him ride. Winning the bull riding silenced all the unbelievers and Willie Thomas started up his tough road, making a name for himself in the history of bull riders as one of the greatest cowboys of color in the event.
He won many buckles, saddles, and championships and was the President of the Southwestern National Cowboy Association. He qualified for the first RCA National Finals Rodeo but did not go due to family commitments. He makes his home in Booth, Texas.
