Billy P. Thomas Scholarship Fund
Billy Thomas was an extraordinary individual on many levels. An avid, musician, photographer and videographer, Billy excelled and shined in everything he did.
His incredible sense of humor stood out the most among his family and friends. Billy could light up a room with a variety of impersonations, noises or just with his infectious laughter.
He grew up in a musical family. His father, Bobby, started teaching his son how to play a variety of instruments. Eventually Billy found his way to the bass.
To this day, he is highly regarded as one of the most talented bass players in Central Kentucky.
Billy spent five years with All The Little Pieces, touring different parts of the country. During his time with ATLP, he formed several lifelong friendships. Though some band members left ATLP to pursue other avenues over the years, one thing remained - their deep connection to Billy.
After leaving ATLP in 2017, Billy joined his former bandmate, Clint Edwards, to play in the Darren Zancan Band. The foursome (Darren Zancan & Ben Fabert) had an immediate connection. The group went on to play several shows across the Midwest, submitted original songs to movie soundtracks and much more. At the end of the day, what mattered most was the connection Billy had with his friends, band members and family. He loved deeply for everyone around him.
Billy started to experience severe heart problems at the age of 23. By March of 2014, doctors told him he had complete heart failure and had several procedures done to correct the problems.
Billy pushed through.
A few years later, Billy would need a pacemaker and defibrillator.
Though he was experiencing heart problems at a young age, Billy never gave up and never quit smiling. He worked harder and harder to improve his overall health. But on Dec. 1, 2018, he suffered a massive heart attack, which resulted in the placement of 4 stents and a double balloon angioplasty on the anterior (front) arteries.
Billy fought courageously, but ultimately passed away on Dec. 8, 2018.
To celebrate his truly incredible life, the Billy P. Thomas Scholarship was formed.
Each year, one high school student, who plans on studying music in college, will be awarded the $1,000 scholarship. His parents, Bobby and Paula, will help select each student.
If more than the allotted $1,000 is raised, we will put the money toward building another scholarship - this one honoring a student who is planning to study video production. Billy worked for DMZ Productions, where he served as a videographer and spent his time working on the show "History Alive." He also loved photography, often capturing his friends, Mike Jones, and other fellow musicians in his hometown of Cynthiana.
Through this scholarship, we hope Billy's life and legacy will continue on through generations of musicians.
Please consider donating so that we may remember the life of an incredibly loving, giving and irreplaceable person.
