William J. Thome of Port Orange, Florida died Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at the age of 91.

Bill is survived by his wife Elnora Bratland Thome, daughter Heidi M Thiede (Curt Thiede), granddaughter Kathryn C. Thiede, and sons William J Thome II, (Nancy Thome) John D. Thome (Lynn Thome). He is pre-deceased by his first wife Kathryn R. Thome (1993). He was born in Dubuque, Iowa on July 24, 1923 the son of Julius and Louise (Blasen) Thome.

He served as a Technical Sargent in Europe during World War II. He was educated at Loras College, Louisiana State University and received an MBA from the University of Chicago. A frequent lecturer, he was granted honoree professorship at the Hotel and Restaurant School at Michigan State University and Cornell University. Bill began his business life with Campbell Soup Company and over the 45 +years held C-Florida level positions with Armour & Co., Sara Lee, Hershey Foods and Farmland Foods. Bill was an avid boater and boat builder.

In his honor a private service will be at a later date. Donations may be made in Bill's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home, Port Orange, FL. Condolences may be shared with the family through this online guestbook.