William "Bill" Thompson

William A. 'Bill' Thompson, age 86, of Johnson City, Tennessee passed away in his home on Friday, August 10, 2018.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, August 16 at the Chapel of Sykes Funeral Home. His family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service.

Bill was born December 27, 1931 in Houston, Texas, youngest son to Richard Allan (Dick Sr.) and Lillian 'Sandoz' Thompson. Bill was raised in Mobile, Alabama where he graduated from Murphy High School. After high school graduation he served in the United States Navy for 4 years. He was honorable discharged as a Disabled Veteran. Bill attended college at the University of Alabama briefly, then at the University of Houston briefly while beginning his family. He ultimately graduated from Austin Peay State University in 1973. He enjoyed golf and tennis. Bill especially enjoyed the companionship of ‘Chere’ his dog. He was retired from State of Tennessee, Department of Human Services.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his two brothers, 'Dick' Thompson, Jr. and 'Bob' Thompson, and his wife of 48 years, Joy Thompson.

Bill is survived by his wife of 14 years, Vivian Kramer, his two sons, Allan (Denise) Thompson and Scott (Heather) Thompson, four grandchildren, Richard and William Thompson, Gabriel and Noah Thompson, two step-grandchildren, Stephanie (Damon) Prince and Lindsey Parker, and one step great grandchild, Jase Parker.

Bill will be laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery beside Joy Thompson. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his name to James H. Quillen V.A. Medical Center in Mountain Home, Tennessee, whose staff provided wonderful care and compassion to Bill and Vivian. Vivian also wishes to thank those at the Veterans Administration, Avalon Hospice, and D.A.V. Chapter 39, who helped provide Bill and her with such great assistance in Bill’s last days.