William R. Thomson, Sr., age 72, a lifelong resident of Walton, passed away Friday evening, December 9, 2011 at home, following a courageous battle with lung disease.

Bill was born on September 28, 1939 in Guilford, NY, the son of the late Kimbal and Grace (Payne) Thomson. He was a graduate of Walton Central School, class of 1958 where he was an outstanding athlete. Following high school he pitched for the Walton Town Team. On August 28, 1965 he married Donna Elderkin, at the First Congregational Church in Walton. He was a longtime member and trustee at the First Congregational Church, the Walton F & AM Lodge 559, where he was past Master and Grand Director of Ceremonies; a member High Priest of the Royal Arch Masons. He proudly served his country in the US Marine Corps from 1959 to 1965. He was employed for many years at Del-Met Corp., Walton and then founded Thomson Electric.

Bill enjoyed bowling, hunting and watching the New York Yankees and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bill could often be found in the afternoon, having a cup of coffee with his friends at TA's.

He is survived by his loving family, his wife, Donna, two daughters: Lorna (Louis) Sgroi of Savannah, GA, and Debra (Ken) Rothwell of Wading River, NY; one son, William (Beth) Thomson, Jr. of Pittsburgh, PA; seven grandchildren, Bridget and Marlee Sgroi, Kenny and Cameron Rothwell, Alyssa Thomson, Erika and Alex Sgroi; one sister, Patricia (Robert) Hunt of Charleston, SC and one brother, Richard (Betty) Thomson of White Sulphur Springs, WV; brothers and sisters-in-law, Sharon and William Hobbie of Walton, NY, Thomas and Tonda Elderkin of Evansville, IN and Jack and Cathy Elderkin of Walton, NY; step-father, Gerald (Irene) Newman of Bradenton, FL; Mother-in-law, Betty Elderkin of Evansville, IN. In addition, Bill is survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins and special friends, Alan "Tink" Reynolds, Dean Daniels, Dave Adams and his Marine Buddy Don Ogden. He was predeceased by his son Ryan in 1975.

Friends and relatives are invited to call on Monday, December 12, 2011 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM at the Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend St., Walton, where a Masonic Ritual will be held on Monday evening at 6 PM. The funeral will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, December 13 at the First Congregational Church, 4 Mead St., Walton, with the Rev. Dr. Lisa Ruth Mays officiating. Burial will follow in Walton Cemetery with full military honors.

Memorial contributions in Bill's memory may be made to the First Congregational Church, 4 Mead St., Walton, NY 13856, or Catskill Area Hospice, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820