Willie Thomas, recipient of the Millville Chamber of Commerce's Outstanding Citizen Award for November,  said he decided to dedicate his life to service after a near-death experience.

 

A diabetic, Thomas was injured at a Millville factory where he worked as a machine operator. He developed a severe infection and had to have his left leg amputated. He is awaiting prosthesis.

 

"Bethel AME Church in Millville has been a great blessing to me and the community," Thomas stated. "I have a great love for the church."

 

Thomas, who did landscape work in Hammonton for eight years, has an extraordinary love of flowers. He saw that the flowers at Bethel needed attention. With the encouragement of the Rev. Charles Wilkins, the pastor, Thomas made that his project.

 

"He is an inspiration to me and to many in our congregation," Wilkins said. "Willie has faced many personal challenges, but Willie has shown his love through his dedication to the church. Willie does not consider himself disabled. I would love to have 10 more like Willie."

 

Barbara Austin, an active volunteer and retired church secretary, said: "I am so happy Willie came here. My husband had done the landscaping, and no one else had taken over after he passed away in 2010."

 

"I love doing this," Thomas said. "It's a blessing to me."

 

Thomas also volunteers at the church's busy food kitchen from Tuesday through Friday helping to feed many in need. "I also sing in the choir and in the yard," he said. He's in training to be a church trustee.

 

Thomas, 46, a native of Florida, came to New Jersey in 1991. The father of four and grandfather of six, Thomas lives with a daughter.

 

Pastor: Willie Thomas an inspiration to others