William Lee Thompson

William Lee Thompson – “Cap” of Colonel’s Island, Midway, Georgia died peacefully in his home on Saturday June 4th, 2016 at the age of 77. Lee was born in Augusta and spent his summers at Tybee Island until moving to Savannah. He graduated from Savannah High School in 1957 and went on to receive his B.S. from The Georgia Institute of Technology after serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. At Georgia Tech, Lee was an active member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. He was the owner of Thompson Automotive Company of Savannah until 1990 when he left the automotive parts industry to pursue his passion for craftsmanship and boats. He moved to Colonel’s Island where he set up his woodworking shop and a small navy of buoyancy challenged boats. Adding on to a life filled with trips to and trophies from regattas all over the South East, Lee then got his captain’s license. He designed, built, and hammered many nails of his own house, became the oldest student in a first responders / firefighter course, and worked for the St. Catherine’s Foundation for almost 20 years. Lee was an active member and usher at Savannah Christian Church. He loved his God and gave freely of his time, talent and money to anyone in need.

Lee is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Jane Boyd Thompson; his daughters Michele Hannon Piper (Keith) of Rincon, GA; Lauren Thompson Killoran (Kevin) of Harrington Park, NJ and their children, Kate and Aiden; and Linda Thompson Niles (Brad) and their children, Sam and Harry of Charlotte, NC; his sisters, Helen Thompson Sharpley of Metter, GA and Anne Thompson Nix of Venice Beach, FL; and five lovely nieces Schley Sharpley Shineman , Liesl Sharpley Tanner, Elizabeth Sharpley Dowlen, Susan Snellings Ramsey, and Julie Snellings Ridley.

Visitation and Memorial Service will be held Thursday June 9th at 10:00 am and 11:00 am respectively at the Adult Ministries Center of Savannah Christian Church located at 55 Al Henderson Boulevard, Savannah, GA 31419.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests remembrances be donated to Savannah Christian Church in his name.

Low Country Cremation Services and Burial is serving the Thompson family.