William Claude Thompson

Obituary of William Thompson Mr. William Claude Thompson "Buddy" or "PaPa", 96, of Leesburg, FL passed away on Saturday, January 28, 2017 in Gainesville, FL from complications of being a completely amazing person for too long at a stretch. Mr. Thompson called Leesburg his home for the last few years of his life, but was a resident of Lake Park, FL for most of it. Mr. Thompson was born in Rosedale, TX on August 18, 1920 to Mr. William Hampton Thompson and Mrs. Lelia Jeannette Collier Thompson. Mr. Thompson had a single sister, named Ida Pearl Thompson Hines "Snookie". William Thompson "Buddy" met the love of his life when he was very young, and married her as soon as he had the ability to do so. This great love was named Jennie Louise Shortridge "Louise" and "MeMe" and she became Mrs. Thompson on March 3, 1940. Buddy joined the US Navy and served his country through World War II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars and retired from the service after 32 years. Even though the time in the service of country comprised so much of his life, time spent with and for his family is what mattered most to him. Buddy was a doting husband to his wife, Louise until her death due to Alzheimer's in 2007. He cared for her, and stayed by her side every single day until her passing. His dedication to her and her memory did not end with her death. He became a well-known visitor at her graveside every day for years after her passing. His daily routine became lovingly tending to her gravesite and visiting and talking with her daily. He could name the days that he missed "getting to see her" due only to illness. Buddy was an extremely hard working man. He worked for Cater's Furniture as a Warehouse/Plant Manager at their Palm Beach location for 20 years and retired from there with many friendships that followed him for years. He was a great gardener, he loved music, played the harmonica, would sing while he made spectacular family dinners, and could make anything with his hands. He loved the water, fishing, swimming, body surfing, snorkeling... didn't matter. He loved it. Buddy and Louise had three children, William C. Thompson, Jr. "Buddy", Larry Victor Thompson, and Kathryn Thompson Wilson. They were also lucky to have six grandchildren, Tracie, Hunter, Taylor, Julie, Joel, and Kirk as well as four great grandchildren Taylor, Taryn, Victoria and Ruby. The loss of Mr. Thompson's wife as well as his son Larry was particularly hard for him. However, the consequence of living a long, full, rich life full of friends, family and loved ones is watching them exit your life. Mr. Thompson is survived by just a handful of family and friends that will miss him every day. A viewing for family and friends of Mr. William C. Thompson will be held at Beyers Funeral Home, Main St. Leesburg, FL on Saturday, February 11th.at 2:00pm. He will be laid to rest next to his wife in Lone Oak Cemetery immediately after. Flowers are welcome but visits, hugs and laughs are preferred. Donations in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Thompson can be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of American either online or at 322 Eighth Ave., 7th fl. New York, NY 10001.

William Claude Thompson

August 18, 1920 - January 28, 2017