Rev. Dr. William L. Thompson, Sr.

William was born on January 25, 1936 in Pamplico, South Carolina. He was the son of the late
Eva Thompson and Willie Allen Thompson reared in Florence County. He was a graduate of
Gibbs High School Class of 1954 in Pamplico, South Carolina.

In his early years, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and became a faithful member
of Spring Branch Baptist Church and served as a Trustee.

As “love” would have it on November 13, 1958, he was united in Holy Matrimony to the Love of
his life Geneva Eagleton. This union together raised seven children-four boys and three girls.

William became employed by Atlantic Coast Railroad and worked until his retirement. He
had a desire for Entrepreneurship and later established and became the owner and operator of
Thompson Barber Shop. As time passed, he had a passion for serving the community and wanted
to share his skills. He started Thompson and Sons Barber College where students would learn
the art of Barbering. He later opened Thompson’s Master Hair Care for graduating students to
work and earn a living. During this time an even greater step was made to answer God’s calling
into the ministry in 1964. In 1968 he became Pastor of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church
in Dovesville, South Carolina where he served for over 32 years and in 1970 he pastored Mount
Clair Missionary Baptist Church in Lake City, South Carolina where he served for 46 years.

William has received numerous awards, medals and achievements during his lifetime. He was a
member of Mill Branch Masonic Lodge #231 and Pee Dee Consistory #197. He was Moderator of
the Greater Pee Dee Educational and Missionary Association in 2003, where it’s one of the largest
contributors to Morris College in Sumter, South Carolina. Because of the dedication WILLIAM
had for school, he enrolled at Morris College to study Pastoral Ministry in 2002 and graduated in
2006 with a Bachelors of Arts degree.

William always would say, “In the grand scheme of things, all he wanted for his existence here
on earth would be meaningful and helpful to bless someone along life’s journey.” “Rev,” as he was
called, showed the Florence Community just that. He was a Mentor, Pastor and Leader to many.
His impact lead to part of Dargan Street, Florence, South Carolina being named in his honor.

William is preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Geneva; two daughters, Jacqueline
Gregg and Sharon T. Benjamin; son, Levette Thompson; and his only brother, Evand “Vance”
Thompson.

He leaves to cherish his memories: three sons, Sheldon (Deborah) Thompson, Gradlin (Carol)
Thompson and William “Jr” (Angel) Thompson, Jr. all of Florence, South Carolina; two
daughters, Garcia “Dodie” (Reverend George B.) Washington and Wanda Thompson both of
Florence, South Carolina; three sisters-in-law, Louise E. Belin and Shirley Eagleton both of
Florence, South Carolina and Frances Eagleton of Richmond, Virginia; an adopted sister, JoAnn
Lacy of Richmond, Virginia; twenty-six grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; and a host of
nephews, nieces, abundance of God-children, other relatives, church families and friends.

Please keep the family of Rev. Dr. William Levi Thompson, Sr. in your thoughts and prayers.