William Gerald Thompson

William Gerald Thompson, "Jerry", 68, a native and resident of Jacksonville, Florida all of his life passed away January 25, 2011. He was the son of the late Jess and Muriel Thompson. Jerry was a graduate of Andrew Jackson High School, class of 1961. He subsequently served three years in the United States Army. He retired from Lucent Technologies in 1999 after 35 years in the industry. He was a past master at Ezra Masonic Lodge F&AM #67 and current member of the Oceanway Masonic Lodge F&AM #279. Additionally, he was a 32nd degree mason of the Scottish Rite. Jerry was an avid outdoorsman and had a passion for hunting. He also enjoyed restoring antique autos and collecting other antiques. He had one of the most extensive antique auto tag collections in Florida, previously on display at a museum in Green Cove Springs, Florida. Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Delores Ethel, his sons, Thomas Nathan (Emily) and Mark Alan (Debbie), and seven grandchildren, Mark Alan, Jr., Ashley Jordan, Matthew Hunter, Marshall Jess, William Alexander, Madison Hope, and Lauren Elise. Others include his sister, Virginia Thompson Briggs (Doug) and one niece and nephew. Family will receive friends from 6 - 8 pm on January 28, 2011 at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 4315 Main Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32206. Funeral services will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, January 29, 2011, at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 4315 Main Street with pastor David Thomas officiating. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 5733 Blanding Boulevard, 904-777-5727. In lieu of flowers, expressions of kindness may be sent to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation or the American Organ Transplant Association.

Condolences may be shared at www.hardage-giddensblanding.com