Henry William "Billy" Thames, Jr.

Henry William “Billy” Thames, Jr., of Lady’s Island, SC, passed away on August 10, 2026, surrounded by his immediate family. He was 85.

Billy was born on Parris Island, SC, on February 8, 1941, the son of the late Henry William “Bill” Thames, Sr., and Anna Belle Wynn Thames of Lady’s Island.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Janet DeLoach Thames. High school sweethearts, Billy and Janet married in 1959 and built a life centered on family, friendship, and the Lowcountry they called home.

He is also survived by his children: Leisha Thames Powell of Lady’s Island; Cynthia Thames Laban of Lady’s Island; and Henry W. “Tim” Thames, III (Ellen) of Columbia, South Carolina. He is also survived by his sister, Margaret Stephanie Lindemuth of Lady’s Island.

Billy was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren: Brandy Martin Williams (Ken) of Beaufort; Caleb Murray (Crystal) of Lady’s Island; Brian Bonk of Lady’s Island; Savannah Pender (Perry) of Okatie, SC; Seth Long of Maui, Hawaii; Kohl Long (Jennifer) of Bluffton, SC and Mac Thames of Columbia, SC. He is also survived by twelve great-grandchildren.

Billy graduated from Beaufort High School in 1959. In later years, he enjoyed Saturday mornings with the Tidal Wave Club, sharing breakfast with classmates and revisiting memories from their Beaufort High School days.

The Lowcountry shaped Billy’s life. He spent countless days fishing local creeks, casting shrimp nets, and enjoying the coastal waters around Beaufort. Some of the family’s fondest memories are of boat trips with Billy and Janet to nearby sandbars surrounded by children, grandchildren and friends.

Billy loved gathering family and friends around Southern meals. Frogmore Stew, fish fries, barbecues, shrimp and grits, and other Lowcountry traditions were central to life with him, many of which have been carried on by his children and grandchildren.

For more than 50 years, Billy worked in automobile sales and management throughout the Lowcountry and Savannah, Georgia. He enjoyed the people, the stories, and the relationships built through his work, and he took pride in the business he loved.

Billy and Janet were longtime members of The Baptist Church of Beaufort.

Billy was a Mason for 52 years with Port Royal Lodge No. 242. In 1974, he became a Shriner with Omar Shrine and was an active member of the Omar Shrine Patrols. He also served with the Shriners’ Roadrunners, transporting children and families to the Shriners Burn Center in Augusta, Georgia, for treatment. His years in Masonry and the Shrine brought lasting friendships and meaningful service.

And most people will remember his devotion to the South Carolina Gamecocks. Billy and Janet spent many weekends traveling to Columbia and away games to watch Carolina play. Their RV became a gathering place for food, football, and fellowship.

Above all, Billy loved Janet and the family they built together. He lived fully, shared stories freely, and never missed a chance to make someone laugh. He leaves behind a legacy of family and. friendship. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A memorial service celebrating Billy’s life will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The Baptist Church of Beaufort in Beaufort, SC. A reception will follow at the church.