Walter Allen Thomas, affectionately called "Buddy," was born in New York City on July 18, 1935, to Carmen Davis and Henry Thomas. He grew up in Harlem and completed his education in New York.

On February 15, 1957, Buddy married Barbra Thomas. In 1968, they relocated to South Jersey. Their union was blessed with a son, Walter Thomas, and a daughter, Monique Thomas.

He dedicated 23 years of service to the culinary department at Ancora Psychiatric Hospital in Hammonton, retiring in May 1995. He was a devoted member of both First Union Baptist Church and Christ Care Unit Missionary Baptist Church.

Buddy found joy in watching television, attending movies, and dining out. He cherished participating in church activities, singing in the men's choir, and spending time with his church community. He also valued gatherings with family and friends, often reminiscing about cherished memories.

Buddy was predeceased by his parents, Carmen Davis and Henry Thomas, as well as his siblings: Lenny Thomas, Letha Williams, Margaret Brown, and Omar Hassan Sabir (Bruce). He is survived by his son, Walter Thomas; his daughter, Monique Thomas-Hayes; his son-in-law, Thomas R. Hayes; his granddaughter, Dominique Hayes; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will cherish his memory.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, February 6, 2026, 11:00 am in First Seventh Day Adventist Church, 955 Route 54, Newtonville, NJ, where a viewing will be held from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. Burial will follow in Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery, 8th Street, Newtonville.