Dr. William Joseph Thompson

He was born in Ishpeming, Michigan in 1932. He graduated from Negaunee High School 1950 and attended the University of Michigan, where he received his Dental degree (D.D.S.) in 1956 and his Master’s Degree in Orthodontics in 1960. He served in the US Air Force as a Captain in the Dental Corps from 1956 to 1958. In 1960, he opened his office as the first orthodontist in Manatee County.

Dr. T (as he was affectionately called) was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Bradenton since 1960, serving in many positions of leadership. He was a Boy Scouts of America leader in Troop #1 for more than 9 years, receiving the Silver Beaver Award. He was past Commander of U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 81, a former member of Bradenton Rotary, a founding member of the Library Foundation, and a founding member and Director of First National Bank and Trust of Manatee (now Hancock Bank), 1986 to 2003. In addition, Dr. T served many years on the Queen’s Court Committee of the Hernando DeSoto Historical Society.

Professionally, Dr. Thompson was an orthodontic trailblazer and innovator. He patented an orthodontic treatment system (braces) that led him to lecture extensively all over the country, as well as at universities and professional meetings in 28 countries around the world. He presented over 250 lectures/courses on Clinical Orthodontics, published scientific articles and papers in 9 different professional publications, and received numerous awards.

Dr. Thompson was past president of 7 local, state and national orthodontic organizations. He was board certified and ultimately served 8 years as a Director of the American Board of Orthodontics. He helped develop the original orthodontic graduate curriculum at both the University of Florida and Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, where he served as part-time Clinical Professor in both departments for many years. He also shared a private practice with his son Dr. Jeffrey S. Thompson, up to the time of his forced retirement at age 70. At that time in 2002, he suffered a debilitating stroke that limited his speech and mobility. Throughout the 13 years following the stroke, he maintained his signature smile, his love of family and friends, and his strong faith in the Lord. He was a Godly man with great integrity.

Dr. Thompson was predeceased by his parents William James and Emily (Kee) Thompson, who immigrated through Ellis Island to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan from Belfast and County Down, Northern Ireland in 1930. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 61 years, Darrol Seeley Thompson; three sons, Dr. Jeffrey S. Thompson (Melissa), W. Wade Thompson (Robin), and Andrew Thompson (Jerry) all of Bradenton; and seven grandchildren: Dacie, Chloe, Glori, Evan, Ella Grace, Easton and Bryanna. He is also survived by two sisters; Marjean (Les) Newell and Kathleen Meyerhoff; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church of Bradenton, FL.