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William Lewis Thompson, Jr., passed away at the age of 62 on December 14th, 2013 at Community Hospice in Jacksonville, Florida. Born and raised in Jacksonville, Bill attended Wolfson High School, where he was a standout running back, leading the Wolfpack to back-to-back State Championship appearances and earning All-State honors. Following high school, Bill attended Duke University, where he was a starting running back for the Blue Devils, and then earned his law degree from Duke University School of Law. After law school, he came back to Jacksonville, where he practiced law for over 33 years. He served as law clerk to the Hon. Gerald B. Tjoflat of the U.S. Court Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and as President of the Florida Bar Foundation. Bill is survived by his wife of 38 years, Gwynne Thompson, his son, William L. Thompson III, his mother, Aline Thompson, and his sister, Anne Thompson. He was predeceased by his father, William L. Thompson, and a son, Brian S. Thompson. Family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 17th, 2013 from 5 - 8 pm at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, December 18th, 2013, graveside at Oaklawn Cemetery at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to: Community Hospice of Northeast Florida and sent to 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257, Attn: Community Hospice Foundation. Donations may also be made online at support.communityhospice.com/donate. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hardage-giddensoaklawnchapel.com.
Published in the Florida Times-Union on Dec. 16, 2013
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Edward Jennings [Ed] White
My first memory of Bill was in Little League. I was the catcher on the Lakewood Bluesox and he played (I think) third base for the Lakewood Chevys. First time up he bunts and runs it out for a single. He then proceeds to steal 2nd and steal 3rd. Remember mind you that in Little League you had to wait until the ball got to the batter to leave the base if you wanted to steal. Bill was just that FAST. The next guy up got a base hit and he scored. Bill was certainly memorable in our class as the star running back on our great teams. But he was also just a plain good guy. I'll miss you, Bill.
Margaret Akra (Bulin)
After attending Catholic school for the first 10 years, my Mom moved me to Wolfson my junior year. Bill was one of the first non-Catholic friends I made. We bonded through Young Life and would spend hours discussing theology. I remember how my Mom would get so upset because we would sit in his car in our driveway and talk for hours...my Mom was worried about what the neighbors would think. I didn't care.
Little did I realize my new friend was such an outstanding football player. Needless to say, he and the entire team made our junior and senior years even better. Then Bill got a scholarship to Duke University. I visited him there several times and was introduced to alcohol on that campus. Bill's fraternity, ATO, loved "Purple Jesus"....and I did too! :)
Bill and I remained friends throughout these 45+ years. While we could go some years without seeing each other - it didn't matter - we would just pick up from where we left off. He and Gwynne, his wife of 38 years, were at all of my life's events and I was there for them.
I am sad but thankful that Bill was in my life. Rest in peace dear friend and I know I will see you again.