In Loving Memory of Willie Herman Thompson, a cherished son of Augusta, Georgia, was born on January 6, 1935, and peacefully departed this world on October 1, 2024, surrounded by his beloved family. The youngest of four siblings, he was the son of Faries Ware Thompson and Mozell Hart Thompson of Augusta, Georgia.

Willie graduated from Lucy Laney High School in Augusta, Georgia, in 1952. Following his high school education, he enrolled at West Virginia State University, subsequently obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Alaska and a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education from George Washington University. He is a graduate of the Air Force Senior NCO Academy, Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama and the Defense Acquisition University, Fort Belvoir Virginia. Additionally, he completed various other technical, leadership, and professional development courses throughout his career.

Willie enjoyed a remarkable 62-year marriage with his devoted wife, Dorothy Adams Thompson. Together, they cultivated a life rich in love, faith, and dedication to their family and community. As a committed member of Fifth Baptist Church in Richmond, VA, Willie demonstrated his unwavering faith by serving as the chairman of the Trustee Board and later as the Building Superintendent, embodying his deep devotion to his church.

Willie’s life was marked by a profound sense of service. He honorably served in the United States Air Force for 26 years, achieving the rank of Senior Master Sergeant before his retirement in 1982. Following his military career, he continued his service to the nation in the civil service as a Supervisory Management Analyst with the Department of the Army at Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia, where he retired in May 2000.

Beyond his professional and familial achievements, Willie was a distinguished 33rd Degree Master Mason, Shriner, and Past Potentate of both Mocha Temple #7 and Hilaal Temple #229. He was instrumental in establishing Hilaal Temple #229 which was Petersburg, Virginia’s first Shrine temple. His leadership and commitment to service were evident in every aspect of his life, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Willie Herman Thompson will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, as well as a devoted servant to his church, country, and community. His strength, wisdom, and faith will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be profoundly missed but lovingly remembered by his family, friends, and the community he served.

A proud father, Willie is survived by his three sons: Wesley Hiram Thompson (who preceded him in death), Colonel William Audwin Thompson, USAF, Retired of Manassas, Virginia, and Donald Alden Thompson of Woodbridge, Virginia. He leaves behind daughters-in-law Charlottie Russell Thompson and Greta Jones Thompson, as well as a legacy of love through his grandchildren: Jasmine Nicole Richardson of San Antonio, Texas; Breanna Nicole Bristol of Clarksville, Tennessee; Margaret C. Rollins of Manassas, Virginia; Vanessa Rae Thompson, Andrew Ware Thompson and Derek Alden Thompson of Woodbridge, Virginia. Willie was also blessed with great-granddaughters Jazelle, Kennedy, and Ava, along with two great-grandsons affectionately referred to as Junior and Noble.

Remains rest at Scott's Funeral Home 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd., where viewing will be held from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Friday, October 11, 2024. The family will receive friends from 8 a.m. until 9 a.m., followed by Hilaal Temple Shriners # 229 and the United Supreme Council 33rd Degree Masons will perform their ceremony at 9 a.m., followed by funeral services to be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 12, 2024 at Fifth Baptist Church, 1415 W. Cary St. Rev. Ricardo L. Brown, officiating, Rev. Earl M. Brown, eulogist. Interment Forest Lawn Cemetery.