William A. Thompson Jr.

William “Sonny” Thompson Jr, 80, of Mint Hill, died October 27, 2023. Through the blessing of hospice, he was able to be at home surrounded by family when he passed.

Sonny was born in Mecklenburg County on February 5, 1943, the only child of William and Bonnie Davis Thompson Sr. He graduated from East Meck High School and attended UNCC. A family friend advised him to consider enlisting in the US Army as it appeared a draft would be forthcoming for the Vietnam conflict, and rather than wait for the draft, he did so. Sonny’s MOS was radar systems and he would often work on radar systems for the Hawk missiles. This work led him to often comment that he was “an Army tech working on Air Force equipment at a Navy base in the Florida Keys.” He met the love of his life, Frances Elizabeth McClain, who he would go on to marry in Charlotte on February 4, 1968. Sonny was then transferred to Germany where he was stationed when his first child, Kathy, was born.

After an honorable discharge in Feb of 1969, went to work for White Bearing Company and on to CPCC where he obtained his degree in Mechanical Drafting. He then worked for White Bearing, Duke Energy, Buencide and ultimately Air and Energy where he retired from.

When not working, Sonny loved to work on his cars and trucks, and with the large yard, also enjoyed gardening. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends. It was well known that he never met a stranger.

Sonny is survived by his daughter, Kathy Thompson of Mint Hill, and sons David (wife Carol) Thompson of Mint Hill and Jeff (husband Keith) Thompson of New Orleans, Louisiana. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Frances Elizabeth, in 2017.

Sonny’s family has given the family of Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home the privilege of caring for him and for them. Visitation will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 on Thursday, November 2, 2023, with services to be held at 11 am on Friday, November 3, all at the funeral home. Following the service, Sonny will be taken in formal procession to his final place of earthly rest at Sunset Memory Gardens, 8901 Lawyers Road, Charlotte, NC 28227.

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