William Flemister Thompson

William "Uncle Bill" Thompson, 89, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away, Saturday, December 11, 2021, in Lawrenceville, GA.

William Flemister Thompson was born October 1, 1932, in Columbus, Ohio to Willie Marvin and Essie Thompson. He graduated from East High School in 1951. He was drafted by the United States Army in 1953, stationed in Alaska, served as a medic during the Korean Conflict, and was honorably discharged as a Corporal in 1955. On May 22, 1965, he married Lorea George in Detroit, MI. To this union were born Dionne and Melissa. He loved to go roller-skating with his daughters, teach them handyman skills, take them to gospel concerts, to church, and to dinner each Sunday.

Uncle Bill was self-employed as a wallpaper hanger for decades and retired in 2001 from the Ohio Department of Agriculture where his duties included carpentry. While employed by the State of Ohio and during retirement, he traveled the state as a Union Representative. Upon retiring, he began volunteering at the Janis Center so he could spend his days playing with electric trains and teaching others woodworking.

Uncle Bill accepted Christ at an early age and was part of a traveling gospel group called The Basement Boys. He and his family were founding members of First Church where he served in many roles. As a leader of the Seniors’ Ministry, he excitedly planned trips and events to keep the senior saints active and involved. He participated in drama ministry productions, and as a Deacon, he happily visited fellow seniors to serve communion or share memories about the Church’s previous locations.

Anyone who knew Uncle Bill knew he loved his family. He loved all his siblings uniquely, and it must be noted he and his baby brother, Eddie, had an inseparable bond that lasted a lifetime. They worked together hanging wallpaper, worshipped together at First Church, and swapped fun stories of their 80 years of adventures. He and his niece, Jerel (Jakee) were traveling partners when she was a teen, and she would ride with him and chaperone when he drove to Detroit to court Lorea George. He was happy when Jakee moved back to Columbus so he could see her more often (and enjoy her baked goods).

He and his daughter Melissa, whom he affectionately called, “My Miss,” developed a fun adult, parent-child relationship. At least monthly, she traveled to Columbus to “hang out with her buddy” to discuss the state of the world, educational leadership, and love. They enjoyed shopping, eating at Raising Cane's and Chipotle. There was always room for dessert at Cold Stone Creamery. Going to the movie theater at Easton was one of their favorite activities and he would often write and mail to her critical reviews of the movies they watched on DVD. Clearly, Uncle Bill and Missy shared a love for movies and he built many multimedia cases for her home to catalog their collection. When visiting her home in Lyndhurst, besides watching movies, he spent time with his nephew and niece, Jim and Vivian DeBerry, Missy’s friends and the work-family whom she dearly loves.

In October of 2018, he relocated to Atlanta to be closer to his oldest daughter, Dionne, son-in-love, Clyde, grandchildren, and great-grandson. Uncle Bill had a full life in his new home! Of course, he immediately became active at church. He won his way into the hearts of the saints in Georgia; they would call, visit and invite him to dinner. Adjusting to his new life, he was committed to maintaining independence. A funny story - he would regularly order a car service (the senior citizen version of Uber or Lyft) to take him to the bank, stores, and to church - Dionne would learn of these excursions only when she received the notification on her phone with his location.

Dionne sought to create great memories and meaningful experiences for Uncle Bill. He was never without options! In addition to running errands with Dionne, he had weekly activities and various household projects to keep busy. He visited her school building and also won the hearts of her colleagues and friends. He ate well, daily, and each birthday in the Howard Family was an opportunity for a party. He knew Dionne had his back and he did not mind telling people, “My Dee, Dee will take care of it” which sometimes meant that heads would roll!

He enjoyed his relationship with Clyde; they participated in the Men’s Small group Bible study and when Clyde’s friends needed carpentry advice, he was happy to oblige. In fact, upon learning of his passing, Clyde’s friends spoke of their appreciation of “Bro. Bill” teaching them new ways to perfect their craft. He deeply loved Clyde and found comfort in Clyde’s love for Dionne and their family.

Known as Papa to Lindsey and Allison, he appreciated this time to build a special bond with them. Although living apart from their family home, he was thrilled when they popped in to go shopping in their parents’ pantry, attend weekly dinner or simply spend time with him. He proudly celebrated Allison at her college graduation and laughed heartily with his “Baby Girl Lindsey” when she shared funny stories about her work at the dental practice.

Malachi’s Papa Bill loved him so much. It all began when his great-grandfather welcomed Malachi into the world with the oak cradle he built and drove to Atlanta to celebrate his birth. Papa Bill was so very proud of Malachi’s academic achievement and musical talent. He attended Malachi’s violin lessons and performances and one of their best memories was attending the Black Violins concert in Atlanta.

As his health declined, Clyde and Dionne were diligent caregivers. When assisted living became necessary, Uncle Bill was not without daily contact from his family through visits and calls. Dionne, and often Malachi, attended every appointment, and even throughout the pandemic the Howard family was present to ensure Uncle Bill received the very best care. Lindsey and Allision did not forget their Papa; they visited regularly and dropped off needed supplies and snacks. Melissa traveled often to Atlanta to hear his warm greeting, “there’s My Miss,” and to eat ice cream, drink coffee, and of course, watch movies.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 26 years, Lorea George; parents Willie Marvin and Essie Thompson; siblings Wiley Thompson, Marvin Thompson, A. Ruth DeBerry, Jean Matthews, and Vivian Gaddis. Uncle Bill is survived by his two daughters, Dionne (Clyde) Howard of Snellville, GA, Melissa Thompson of Lyndhurst, OH; granddaughters Lindsey Howard and Allison Howard of Snellville, GA; one great-grandson, Malachi Finnegan; his beloved brother Edward Thompson of Columbus, OH; nieces and nephews Martha Curry, Jerel (Billy) Steele, Curtis (Judy) Matthews, James DeBerry, Vivian DeBerry, Cheryl Gerst, Cynthia Johnson, Jolynn (Charles) Greene, Alethea Gaddis, Randal (Elizabeth) Gaddis, Sylvia Gaddis and many more nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, including a host of special “adopted” family members and dear friends.