William Mccord Thigpen

William McCord Thigpen, Jr. (Bill) of Decatur, GA died October 12, 2015, at the age of 90. Born January 11, 1925 in Manchester, GA, Bill enjoyed the life of a country boy: squirrel and rabbit hunting with his uncle, helping his grandfather plow and plant. As a youth he delivered newspapers; President Franklin Roosevelt was one of his customers when in residence in Warm Springs.

Bill served in the Army in World War II (1943-1946) as an anti-aircraft gunner, stationed in the South Pacific. Awards received included the American Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, Philippine Liberation Ribbon and Good Conduct Medal. Patriotic and proud of his service, he attended the dedication of the WWII Memorial in Washington, DC in 2004 and returned on an Honor Flight in 2009.

Graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in electrical engineering, Bill worked for the Georgia Power Company for 34 years. He was one of the founders of the annual golf tournament that is now a Southern Company tradition.

A fun-loving man, he enjoyed golf and bowling. He coached girls' softball teams at Belvedere Park in Decatur, GA for many years (the Coty Girls, Belles and Jets). He passed his competitive spirit to his children, who fondly remember spirited games of Pinochle. He never gave a game; any win against Bill was a hard-won victory.

Bill was baptized at Moreland Avenue Baptist Church in East Atlanta and was a long-time member of Woodlawn Baptist Church in Decatur where he served as a trustee and sang in the choir.

Married to Doris Mae Street of East Atlanta, GA for 54 years, Bill was dedicated to his family. He and Doris instilled their values into their five children: love of God, the importance of education, respect for others, loyalty to family and friends, service to others.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, William M. Thigpen, Sr. and Jessie M. Hancock; his sisters Juanita Jackson and Betty Shamblee, and his beloved wife, Doris. He is survived by his children, Patricia Northcutt of Jasper, GA; Carolyn Thigpen of Grayson, GA; Janet Thigpen of Tucker, GA; William M. Thigpen, III (Mac) of Stone Mountain, GA and Margaret Thigpen of East Atlanta, GA. Grandchildren: David and Robert Phillips; Amy Mielke, William M. Thigpen IV, Mary Thigpen, and eight great-grandchildren.

The family expresses deepest gratitude to the committed caregivers who served tirelessly over the past seven years: Bonnie Brown-Evans, June and George Overton, Cheryl and Melissa Lingerfelt.
Funeral Service will be held Thursday October 15, 2015 at 1 pm at A.S. Turner and Sons Decatur, GA with visitation on Wednesday 1-3 pm and 6-8pm. The family request donations to the American Bible Society of National Parkinson Foundation in lieu of flowers.






Funeral Home:
A.S. Turner
2773 N. Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033