William Henry Thompson was the third of six children born to the late Sidney and Cecelia Thompson. William was born on May 18, 1934 in Chaptico, Maryland, St. Mary's County. He departed this life on October 4, 2017 at the Clinton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Clinton, Maryland.

William was baptized into the Catholic faith at an early age and attended St. Mary Star of the Sea. He was a devoted usher in the church for several years. He attended the public schools of St. Mary's and Charles Counties and graduated from Pomonkey High School, June 11, 1952. After high school, he held various jobs to include working at the Bryans Road Building Supply and at Safeway, where he was one of the first black clerks.

As a young man, William proudly served his country for two years as a mechanic in the United States Army. He also spent twelve years at the Naval Ordnance Station, where he was promoted several times and played an important role in its operations. He advanced to Propellant Operator, Propellant-man and Ordnanceman. He aspired to advance further, so he began attending Charles County Community College.

In 1984, William began working for Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission where he spent the majority of his career working as a Chemical Building Operator. He took pride in his work and was highly regarded during his tenure there, which resulted in him receiving several honors and awards. He was given a special assignment to run the Chemical Building at the Plant. In 1985, he was awarded the Most Improved Operator Award and a Safety Award. In 1990, he received the Outstanding Veteran Operator Award. William was also on a Piscataway Committee, planting flowers which enabled Piscataway to receive the Prince George's County Plant Beautification Award from Governor Parris Glendenning of Maryland. He retired after sixteen years and was noted for his outstanding attendance record.

William had many hobbies which included reading the Bible, fishing, listening to Oldies but Goodies, traveling and attending car shows. Most of all, he loved gardening and planting flowers. Regardless of what he was doing, his commitment to doing his best was always evident. He received the Beautification Award from the Charles County Commissioners and the Charles County Garden Club for his spectacular garden. He was especially proud of this honor.

William was most appreciative of his caregivers, Terricida, Gladys and the Clinton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

William was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Royal. He leaves to mourn and celebrate his life, his sisters, Juanita, Gladys, Phyllis and Terricida, two brothers-in-law, Francis and Calvin, five nieces, one nephew, devoted friends, Claudine Sims and Edward Bransome and other relatives and friends.

Viewing, 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, Tuesday, October 17, 2017 in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20640.  Mass of Christian Burial, October 18, 2017 at 9:00 am, St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 30 Mattingly Avenue, Indian Head, Maryland 20640.

Interment, Maryland Veteran Cemetery, 11301 Crain Highway, Cheltenham, Maryland 20623.