9/29/2015 Willis Morris Thomson Obituary, Valdosta, GA
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Obituary
Willis Morris Thomson (USAF, Ret.), 82, of Valdosta, died on Thursday, January 1,
2015 at South Georgia Medical Center. He was born on March 6, 1932 in San
Diego, California to the late Colonel Earl F. and Catherine Morris Thomson and
spent his early childhood moving to numerous Army posts with his family. He later
graduated from H.H. Arnold High School in Wiesbaden, Germany. Upon
graduation, he attended Purdue University for one year before being drafted in the
Air Force. After serving two years in the Air Force he was accepted to the U.S.
Military Academy at West Point. While at West Point, he excelled as a member of
the gymnastics team where he won two personal Eastern Championships and
achieved All American status for his performance on the horizontal bar. Upon
graduation, he chose to serve in the United States Air Force and attend flight school
where he not only earned his wings but graduated second in his class. He was
selected as an instructor pilot and was assigned to Moody Air Force Base for T-33
and T-37 aircraft. Lt. Col. Thomson also served in Vietnam as a fighter pilot and
flew over 100 missions during his time of service there, as well as receiving a purple
heart. After retirement, he began a local business here in Valdosta and was the co-
owner and operator of Fiddler's Green. Mr. Thomson was of the Episcopal faith.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Willmia (Sis) Thomson of Valdosta, and a
brother and sister-in-law, Samuel and Donna Thomson. He was preceded in death by
his daughter, Lorrie Ann Thomson Sullivan.
Willis Morris Thomson will be cremated and no services are scheduled according to
his wishes. Donations in Mr. Thomson's memory may be made to the Humane
Society of Valdosta/Lowndes P.O. Box 5323 Valdosta Georgia, 31603, and/or the
Wounded Warriors Project at woundedwarriorsproject.org. Condolences to the
family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. McLane Funeral and
Cremation services is assisting the Thomson family. Carson McLane.
Willis Morris Thomson
March 6, 1932 - January 1, 2015
Resided in Valdosta, GA
