William Carrington Thompson

For other people named William Thompson, see William Thompson (disambiguation).

William Carrington Thompson (November 6, 1915 – June 11, 2011) was an American jurist and politician.^[1]

W. Carrington Thompson
Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia
In office February 19, 1980 – March 2, 1983
Preceded by	Alexander Harman
Succeeded by	John C. Thomas
Member of the Virginia Senate from the 12th district
In office January 10, 1968 – January 12, 1972 Serving with William F. Stone
Preceded by	Landon R. Wyatt
Succeeded by	Bill Parkerson
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates for Danville City and Pittsylvania
In office January 13, 1960 – January 10, 1968
Preceded by	Hunt M. Whitehead
Succeeded by	George B. Anderson
Personal details
Born	William Carrington Thompson (1915-11-06)November 6, 1915 Chatham, Virginia, U.S.
Died	June 11, 2011(2011-06-11) (aged 95) Chatham, Virginia, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Education	University of Virginia (LLB)
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Navy
Battles/wars	World War II

Early and Family Life

Thompson was born in Chatham, Virginia. He attended Hampden-Sydney College and graduated in 1935. He received his law degree from the University of Virginia Law School in 1938 and was admitted to the bar the same year.

During World War II, Thompson served in the U.S. Navy, at various times patrolling the Eastern shore and in the Pacific Ocean.

Legal and political career

Upon returning to civilian life, Thompson returned to his job as assistant attorney general, then was elected Commonwealth's Attorney for Pittsylvania County, Virginia, where he served from 1948 until 1955.

In 1959, Thompson won election to the House of Delegates, serving as a Democrat representing Danville and Pittsylvania County. He was elected . In to the Senate of Virginia in 1967, and served until 1972.

Judicial career

The General Assembly elected a him as judge for the Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit in 1973, and he heard cases in Danville as well as Franklin and Pittsylvania Counties.^[2]

After Justice Alexander Harman retired, the General Assembly elected Judge Thompson to the Supreme Court of Virginia, effective February 1, 1980. Justice Thompson retired from active service on the Court three years later, and was succeeded by Justice John Charles Thomas.

Death and legacy

Justice Thompson died at his home in Chatham on June 11, 2011.^[3]