William Taliaferro Thompson III, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2026, surrounded by his family. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Tee lived his life with integrity, kindness, and a strong sense of faith.
Born in Richmond, Va., on February 8, 1943, to W. Taliaferro Thompson, Jr. and Jessie Gresham Baker Thompson, Tee graduated from St. Christopher’s School and Davidson College and remained an active alumnus of both throughout his life. Tee began a long and fulfilling career as a financial adviser. He co-founded Financial Corporation of Virginia and later went on to manage the Richmond office of A.G.Edwards, now Wells Fargo.
Tee is survived by his loving wife, Carey McKenney Thompson; his children, Carey Thompson Viego (Fernando), Sarah Thompson Mayfield (Jack), Anne Taliaferro Thompson Elam (Roe), and William Taliaferro “Tee” Thompson V; his grandchildren, Julia and Albert Viego, Oscar, Claiborne, and Henry Elam, and Alston Mayfield; and his step-grandchildren, Jackson and Henley Mayfield. He is also survived by his sister, Jessie Thompson Krusen (Andy) of Tampa; his brother, Addison Baker Thompson; his sister-in-law, Sue Thompson; his sister-in-law, Sylvia McKenney; and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Gordon McKenney.
Faith was an important part of Tee’s life. He was deeply influenced by his grandparents, Anne McIlwaine Thompson and William Taliaferro Thompson, Sr., a Presbyterian minister and professor at Union Theological Seminary in Richmond. Tee’s connection to the Seminary continued throughout his life. He grew up in First Presbyterian Church and remained an active member for much of his adulthood, serving as both a deacon and an elder and in other leadership roles. He later attended First Baptist Church, where he and Carey were active in the church community.
Tee served many organizations in various roles and was deeply committed to the institutions and causes he valued. He served as director and chairman of the Nemours Foundation; trustee of the Alfred I. duPont Testamentary Trust; trustee of Davidson College; trustee of Union Theological Seminary and the Presbyterian School of Christian Education, where he also chaired the Endowment Committee; Rector (Chairman) and member of the Board of Visitors (trustees) of Longwood University.; and trustee of the Longwood University Foundation.
Tee loved being outside hunting, fishing, and sailing with family and friends. He had a gift for telling stories and sharing family history and anecdotes. Striving each day to do something positive, he did so with empathy, compassion, and care for others. But his greatest joy was his family and especially his marriage of 56 years to his wife, Carey.
Tee’s family extends its deepest gratitude to the many nurses and caregivers who cared for him with such kindness and compassion, especially Selina Johnson and Vickie Boone.
A memorial service will be held in the Chapel of Richmond’s First Baptist Church on Friday, September 18, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to MCV Foundation or the Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Fund at VCU.