Wm (Bill) Thompson

William Thompson Jr (Bill to all) was born May 21 1957 in Louisville Kentucky and remained extremely proud of that heritage throughout his life. Bill passed away from a cerebral hemorrhage on July 4th in Paris, France; another place he dearly loved.

Bill is survived by his wife Carla Jasper Thompson, siblings Donna Thompson, Terri Hartman and husband David Tina Blumer and husband Dale, sister in law Sherry Jasper, brother in law Mark Jasper and partner Cal Smith, nieces and nephews Shawn and Jason Wigginton, Dana and Lana Lea, Jonathan and Kayla Blumer and "Uncle Bill" was god- father to many others.
Bill embraced people in a way that not many do or can. He was considered a brother, best friend, uncle, godfather by many non-family members as he so easily integrated into many people's lives and their respective families.

Upon graduation from Western Kentucky University (albeit he never lost his interest in UK basketball), Bill began a long run in the state of Texas. For the next 34 years he would dedicate an entire career to Texas Instruments. As part of his tenure with TI, Bill received an Executive MBA from SMU in Dallas. That time with TI yielded numerous life long friends. Bill had this amazing quality of truly being interested and excited about what others liked and soon would become part of their routines and family activities. One of those activities centered on his fondness for music; and Bill and a cadre of good friends would spend 30 years trying to hit as many Bruce Springsteen and Rolling Stones concerts as possible.

But it was those Kentucky roots that led Bill to meet and marry his lovely wife of 20 years, Carla. They together enjoyed anything and everything Kentucky (family, basketball, The Derby, for Bill a good bourbon), their relationship with their church, cooking and forging close friendships with neighbors and co-workers. It was in the last couple of years that Bill and Carla bought a 2nd home in Louisville so they could more easily enjoy their lives in both Kentucky and Texas.

It was Carla and Bill's 20th wedding anniversary that served as the catalyst for a large group of family and close friends to embark on the European vacation including a Viking boat cruise. This occasion and trip was very special for Bill and he began the planning 18 months beforehand. As part of the preparation he spearheaded a pre-trip quiz party at a German restaurant, and acted as daily weatherman keeping everyone updated as the trip drew closer. He admired its fabulous history (loved history especially places and events surrounding WWII) and its wonderful art (especially the impressionists). He was truly happy and in a good place at the end.

What many of us will remember is Bill's great humility, caring and unselfish attitude towards others and his strong loyalty to family, church, friends and work. But, it was also his wonderful sense of humor and desire and ability make others happy/laugh that we all so much cherished. At every social event somebody would be asking Bill to re-tell their favorite joke/story so others could enjoy it as much as they had. Even at the end, Bill chose not to focus on his own dire situation, but instead tried to make the concerned others around him laugh and feel somewhat at ease. That was the quintessential Bill we all remember and loved. He will be sorely missed.A prayer vigil service will be held on Monday, July 14, 2014 at 7:00 pm at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2700 W. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano, Texas 75023. The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 11:00 am also at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton with The Reverend Monsignor Henry V. Petter as Celebrant.
Bill will be laid to rest in his native Kentucky at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to C.A.S.A of Collin County or Love Truck at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.