W.J. Thomasson

William John "W.J." Thomasson, age 91, of Pine Bluff, passed Wednesday, August 1, 2018. Born October 7, 1926 at Pansy (Cleveland County), he was a son of the late Willie Thomasson and Mary Gibson Thomasson. He served in the United States Navy during World War II, and then returned to graduate from Woodlawn High School. In the summer of 1947, he attended Arkansas Tech University and graduated from the University of Arkansas at Monticello in 1950 with a degree in education and psychology. W.J. was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Betty Brown Thomasson; along with five siblings. He is survived by his daughter, Paula Thomasson and granddaughter, Meredith Scott of Warrenton, Va.; his son, Greg Thomasson and wife Cindy of Richmond, Ky. and their daughters, Stefanie Riley (Jonathan), Amber Simon (Jesse); and their son, Chris Clark; nieces, Marylou Bland, Beth Thomasson Polk, Laura Thomasson King, and Alice Gibson Lindsey; and nephews, Dickie Thomasson, Mitch Powell, and Brian Powell. A lifelong tree farmer, his forests were his passion. In 2012, he was named Outstanding Tree Farmer by the Arkansas Forestry Association. He greatly valued his forestry clients and the opportunity to serve them. W.J. followed a varied career path that included teaching, coaching, and over two decades at International Paper Company, retiring as a purchasing supervisor. Mr. Thomasson was a Past Master of Mill Creek Masonic Lodge #178, and at the time of his death was the lodge's oldest living member. He was also a member of Prosperity United Methodist Church and Lakeside United Methodist Church, where he served on the Administrative Board. He loved being in his beloved woods hunting for deer, turkey, quail, and squirrels, and cheering for his granddaughter Meredith's volleyball endeavors. Services will be Monday, August 6, 2018, 10 a.m. at Fuller Hale-South Funeral Chapel with Rev. Fred Arnold and Brother Charles Woolley officiating. Burial will follow with Masonic Rites in Pansy Cemetery. The family will greet visitors Sunday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Pansy Cemetery, c/o Prosperity United Methodist Church, 50 Highway 11, Rison, Ark. 71665. Online condolences: FullerFunerals.com.