Mr. James "Bill" Thompson

James “Bill” William Thompson, age 73 of Bethlehem, GA passed away Wednesday, February 26, 2014. He was a member of Whistleville Christian Church. A native of Terre Haute, IN, Bill lived a good portion of his life in Florida. He was a two- time Vietnam veteran serving as a plane captain in the US Navy on the USS Saratoga, where he also served during the Bay of Pigs. During the 60’s Bill worked as a manager for Sun Oil Co. afterwards retiring as a heavy equipment operator for National Steel. He was an active 4H leader for many years and was a member of numerous car clubs including The Hot Rod Club. He was preceded in death by his parents, James H. and Mary Weil Thompson. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Connie Banks Thompson of Bethlehem; three daughter, Kelly Leeann Thompson of Port Richey, FL, Kimberly Lynn Salvaggio (Tony) of Bethlehem, Jacquie Jo Overend (Chris) of Bethlehem; one son, Gregory William Thompson (Kelly) of Winter Springs, FL; a brother, Robert Joseph Thompson (Donna) of Terre Haute, IN; five grandchildren, Kyle and Kaley Thompson, Tony, Joey and Taylor Salvaggio. Visitation will be held from 6 until 9:00 PM Friday February 28, 2014 at Smith Funeral home. Funeral Services will be Saturday, March 1, 2014 at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Smith Funeral Home with Pastor Linwood Smith officiating. Interment will be 2:00 PM Monday, March 3, 2014 in Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. Smith Funeral Home, Winder, GA is in charge of arrangements.