William Joseph “Bill” Thompson, age 84, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his wife and loved ones, on Monday, July 27, 2026.
Bill was born on March 9, 1942, in Bath, New York. The eldest son of the late William and Selma (Bern) Thompson, Bill was a graduate of Avon High School, where he lettered in tennis, football, baseball, and basketball. On the baseball team, he played shortstop, and baseball remained important to him throughout his life. During one of his final rallies at home, he showed his great-granddaughter, Evelynn, how to properly hold and grip a baseball. Bill paid his own way through college at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he studied engineering. He spent his adult life working for Corning Incorporated, where he was recognized for 45 years of dedicated service.
Bill was a quiet, dependable, and hardworking man. He treasured time with his family and, together with his wife, Fernande, welcomed loved ones into their Painted Post home for every holiday gathering. An avid outdoorsman, Bill proudly displayed an eight-point buck he harvested. He also enjoyed golfing and participating in annual tournaments with friends. Bill was a proud member of the Corning Elks, Corning American Legion, Corning VFW, Corning Moose Lodge, and the Glen Regional Corvette Club.
Bill’s Corvettes were among his greatest passions. He and Fern traveled throughout the Northeast with the Corvette Club, especially during their retirement years. Every few years Bill purchased another Corvette, his last being a brand-new red 2014 Corvette from Elm Chevrolet.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, his brother, Dan Thompson, and his grandson, Curtis Boyce.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Fernande Weiland Thompson; his stepchildren, Audrey Nelson, Nancy Miller of Maryland, Shirley Jacobus of Corning, and Brian (Tina) Nelson of Texas; eight grandchildren, Jacqueline (Matt Mitchell) Miller of Penn Yan, Erik (Cassandra) Miller of Painted Post, Emily (Brooks) Baker of Corning, Nathan (Amy Jo) Jacobus and Shannon Jacobus of California, and Jeremy, Joseph, and James Nelson of Texas. He is also survived by several great-grandchildren, including Evelynn, Amelia, and Maverik Miller of Painted Post; his siblings, Kathy Korse of Virginia, Julie (James) Muir of Maryland, and Richard (Marybeth) Thompson of Florida; along with many nieces and nephews.
Bill was also survived by his loyal sidekick, Charlie, the four-legged Basset Hound companion who faithfully remained at Bill’s bedside and on the back porch with him until the very end.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Bill’s nurse, Karin, for her compassionate care during his final months. They would also like to recognize his grandson, Erik Miller, who spent countless hours driving Bill and Fern to appointments, visiting with him in the hospital and rehabilitation center, and remaining by his side throughout hospice care, including during Bill’s peaceful passing.
Celebration of Life Gathering
Family, friends, comrades, Corvette enthusiasts, and fellow members of the organizations Bill was so proud to belong to are encouraged to join us in celebrating the life of Bill Thompson.
This will be an informal Celebration of Life gathering featuring food, fellowship, and the sharing of stories and memories. It’s this Sunday Aug 9 from 3-6pm at the Corning American Legion. Please do stop by. It would be nice to see all Bill’s old friends and hear their stories.
Guests are encouraged to wear casual attire. If you have a prized Corvette, hot rod, classic car, or favorite motorcycle, Bill would be proud to know you paid your respects in style. Feel free to bring it along as a tribute to one of his greatest passions.
