Willie E. Thompson

The Governor of South Carolina advises to limit public gatherings to 50 guests or less to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Smith Funeral Home of Florence, LLC carefully considered this recommendation and ask that additional guest please participate via live-streaming if it is authorized by the family.

Private Graveside Service for Mr. Willie Evand “Vance” Thompson will be conducted 10:00 AM Saturday, August 29, 2020 at Greater Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church Cemetery, 4810 Francis Marion Road, Florence, South Carolina. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery, directed by Smith Funeral Home of Florence, LLC.

Mr. Willie Evand “Vance” Thompson was born January 4, 1938 in Florence, South Carolina to the late Willie A. Thompson and Eva McAllister Thompson. He departed this life on Saturday, August 22, 2020 at McLeod Hospice House in Florence, South Carolina.

Affectionately known as “Vance” or “Bad Boy”, he graduated from Gibbs High School Class of 1956.

He moved to Detroit, Michigan, where he lived for several years and gained employment as an Iron Welder. He met Florence Dickerson and to this relationship a son, Timmie Dickerson was born. As life progressed, he met and married Yvonne Thompson and to this union a son, Derrick Thompson was born. He moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He met and married Ana Coleman in 1973 and they were blessed with a daughter, Crystal.

After relocating to Florence, South Carolina, Vance a Welder by trade, for more than 40 years retired from Wellman Industrial in Johnsonville, South Carolina.

Vance, a member of Greater Saint Paul African Methodist Church in Florence, South Carolina served on the Steward Board; Commission on Stewardship Finance; Senior Choir member; a member of the Male Chorus; and on the Sons of Allen Ministry.

In addition to his parents; Vance was preceded in death by his wife, Ana Thompson.

He leaves to cherish: a daughter, Crystal (Tim) Britt, Derrick Thompson (Daisy), and Timmie (Olivia) Dickerson; six grandchildren, Dominic Thompson, Avery Britt, Derrick Thompson, Sharika Thompson, Pserda Dickerson and De Shay Dickerson; five great grandchildren; a brother, Reverend William L. Thompson, Sr.; and a host of nephews; nieces; other relatives; and friends.

Please keep the family of Willie Evand "Vance" Thompson in your thoughts and prayers.

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