William F. Thomsen

William F. (Bill) Thomsen, 91, passed away Friday, March 14, in Kingsport.

He was born in the family home in Waco, Texas. After graduating with a chemistry degree from Baylor University, he immediately began work making war-critical chemicals at Kodak in Rochester, NY. He subsequently served in the U.S. Army testing ordnance in Tooele, UT, then earned his master's degree at the University of Texas. In 1951 he came to Kingsport to continue working for Kodak, retiring in 1984. He was loved by all his sons and friends and will be missed by all.

Bill was preceded in death by two brothers and a sister, and his wife Joelle Rush Thomsen.

He is survived by his twin sister, Katherine Thomsen Ladd of Pittsford, NY; four sons, Bruce Thomsen, Scott Thomsen, John (Cindy) Thomsen, and Gordon (Neitcha) Thomsen; four grandchildren, Lauren, Chris, Benjamin, and Elizabeth; one great-granddaughter, Ava; Eleanor, the mother of his sons; and his lifelong friends from the Typhoons Club.

There will be an inurnment at 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, 2014, at First Broad Street United Methodist Church Columbarium. The memorial service will follow at 3:30 p.m. with the Rev. Mickey Rainwater and Rev. Jack P. Weikel officiating.

The family will receive friends following the service in the church parlor. Also, friends may call at the home of Bill's niece and nephew, Barbara and Dave Lively.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Broad Street United Methodist Church, Friendship Diner, 100 East Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37660.