William Wayne Thompson

Mr. William Wayne Thompson, a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, passed away Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at his home.

The son of Wiley and Alma Thompson, Mr. Thompson was born September 12, 1939, in Wauchula, Florida where he grew up.

At the age of 17, Mr. Thompson enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He valued this service highly and attained the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. As part of this service, Mr. Thompson served three tours in Vietnam and was honored with the Silver Star Medal, Bronze Star Medal (with combat Valor), Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal (with four stars), Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (with one star), National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cam-paign Medal (with device), Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Pistol Expert Badge, Rifle Expert Badge. Mr. Thompson was also recognized as an Honorary Screaming Eagle by the 101st Airborne Division for his exceptional support for the division.

Mr. Thompson continued to excel in civilian life and owned and managed several businesses until his retirement.

Mr. Thompson was preceded in death by his wife, Mary McDuffie Thompson; his parents, Wiley and Alma Thompson; his brother, Calvin Thompson; two sisters, Alice Marin and Wylette Bilodeau; a daughter, Sandra Kay Imel; a son, Wayne William Thompson, Jr. and two grandchildren Kaleb and Kristan Andrews.

Mr. Thompson is survived by two daughters, Deborah Andrews and Kimbrely (Kurt) Manthei; one son, Terry Phillips (Gail); six grandchildren, T. J. Phillips (Tairyn), Amber Tuten, Alecia Phillips, Samantha (Hunter) Smith and Lance Wiggins; three great-granddaughters Sierra Tuten, Breanna Manthei and Jupiter King; three great-grandsons, Liam Phillips, Bryson Smith and Summit Smith; several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.