Willie L. Thompson

Norfolk- On Thursday, July 30, 2020, Willie Leroy Thompson was called home after a brief illness for a better life with his Lord and Savior. He was born on February 4, 1926 in Titustown, Norfolk, VA to the late Van and Mattie (nee Bookhart) Thompson who provided him with a loving Christian home. Willie, as he was affectionately called, attended the Old Booker T. Washington High School before interrupting his studies to serve in the U.S. Army in Europe during World War II. Following V-E Day he went through the Panama Canal to Okinawa in preparation for the invasion of Japan. With Japan’s surrender, Willie was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. He went to California after the war, working for the Military Sealift Command before returning to Norfolk in 1948 to complete his H.S. diploma that had been put on hold while he served his country.

Following graduation, Willie met and married the love of his life, Geraldine Randall. The happy couple settled in the Greenhill Farms neighborhood in Norfolk, while maintaining an active membership in the New Central Baptist Church in Berkley. Willie worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a Letter Carrier until he retired after 33 years  of faithful service. Willie was also an avid fisherman who loved being on the water. He is predeceased by his loving and devoted wife Geraldine, and their only child, Willie L. Thompson, Jr. Among those left to cherish his memory is his sister-in-law, Florine Clarke of Chesapeake, VA; his nephew, Percell “Butch” Thompson of Norfolk; his niece, Patricia Royal of Weston, FL, and many cousins and devoted friends.

All who has the pleasure to have known him will testify to the kindness of his heart, the gentleness of his soul, and the strength of his spirit.