Longtime Leitchfield public servant William Thomason passed away on Wednesday afternoon.
Thomason, universally known has “Turkey” since late childhood, served as the mayor of Leitchfield for 23 years, nine months, and served the city of Leitchfield for 36 years.
In November 2017, Thomason announced he would not run for another mayoral term. He cited the arrival of his first grandchild the following month and the increased stress he experienced in the position as reasons for him not seeking another term.
“I cannot put up with the stress, anymore,” Thomason said at the time. “I love my community as much as anything in the world … but, you don’t know how much more time you have. My first grandchild, a boy, will be here soon and I want to be able to spend time with him.”
His final day in office was December 31, 2018, as the legendary Leitchfield leader stepped away from politics and focused on family.
Thomason, 84, left an indelible mark on those who served with him and under his tutelage, including current Leitchfield Mayor Harold Miller, who expressed great sorrow in losing a friend, a mentor and a great leader. He also touted Thomason’s endless generosity toward his fellow man.
“It was with great sadness that I learned of Mayor Thomason’s passing today. I’ve spent the time since I received the news reflecting on what his passing means to our community,” Miller said. “Having known Bill most of my life, I can honestly say that this community has lost its best friend. I’ve watched Mayor Thomason do things for this community and its people that most will never know. Countless times I have seen him help those in need, and never once have I seen him ask for anything in return.”
Miller furthermore credits Thomason with inspiring him as a human being and leader.
“On a personal level, I have always looked at Mayor Thomason as a mentor. He spent many years guiding me down the ever-winding road of local government, and I can honestly say, if not for his love and encouragement, I’m certain I would not have made it this far.
“Roman’s 12:10 says: ‘Be devoted to one another in love: Honor one another above yourself.’
“Mayor William Thomason,” Miller stated, “truly exemplified a man who honored others around him more than he honored himself.”
Thomason famously texted dozens of people each and every morning with inspirational thoughts of the day. He added this reporter to his text chain several years ago.
One of the final texts I received from Thomason, as his health began to abandon him, was on September 10, 2025, and reads as follows:
“Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive because your words become your behavior. Keep your behavior positive because your behavior becomes your habits. Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values. Keep your values positive because your values become your destiny. — Mahatma Ghandi.”
Thomason’s destiny was to lead others with a nod toward helping those less fortunate, and with stern resolve in making Leitchfield a better place for everyone who calls this hamlet home. He understood that generosity allows one to find true purpose and happiness.
He once quoted John Wooden, saying: “You can’t live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.”
“A Celebration of Life” is a phrase often used to announce a person’s funeral. If there ever was a life worthy of celebration … for the accomplishments he helped achieve for the city; the kindness he displayed to those less fortunate than him; or the generosity he happily showered upon someone in need of a break in life … it’s Turkey Thomason.
William Thomason’s speech at his final Leitchfield City Council meeting on December 29, 2018
For me, it is with a sad but joyful heart that I am able to come before you tonight. It is by God’s grace and guidance that I was able to serve you for many years. I truly love my community (and) I have tried to give it my all.
I would like to thank my family for their support and understanding, and sacrifices they made when my time was taken up by city business.
I could go on and on, but I have narrowed by thoughts down to five things that have meant so much to me, and I feel are important for continued success of our city:
- Thanks to the citizens of Leitchfield for giving me the honor of serving as your mayor.
- Thanks to (former mayor) Sherrill Watson, who gave me the chance to serve as mayor pro-tem, which then gave me the opportunity to become your mayor.
- Thanks to all the councils throughout the years which helped up accomplish so many different projects for our community.
- Thanks to all our employees who contributed to the success of our city over the years.
- And last but not least, thanks to the important keys to our city government – our attorneys, Kenneth Smart and David Vickery, who gave us advice on important city decisions. I’ve known (new City Attorney) Dennis Fentress for a long time and wish him the best. I also want to wish Rick Embry all the best for a successful future for our community as mayor.
Thank you again for being here and for your support. I am blessed and have made many lasting friendships. I wish each and every one of you the best! I have always tried to serve and treat all people with respect and provide our citizens with good service.
I would like to close with a couple of quotes. The first by John Wooden: ‘You can’t live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.’
(Photo l-r: William Thomason and Harold Miller in December 2018 celebrating Thomason’s time as mayor)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
