William "Bill" Thompson

     William "Bill" Thompson 87, died on Monday, November 4, 2019 at his home in Richland, Oregon with his family by his side.  A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2019 - 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Halfway, Oregon.  Friends are invited to join the family for a reception to be held immediately following at the church.

    William Albert was born in Portland, Oregon to Marion Agnes Babcock and Lyle Bert Thompson July 10, 1932. He graduated from Gresham High school  in 1950. He was married out of high school and they had 2 children.  In 1951 Bill enlisted into the U.S. Navy  like his father before him. He fought in the Korean War on the USS Yorktown Carrier. During his Navy career, he received an education for electronics.  He was honorably discharged in 1954. 

     Bill returned home from the service and met Wilma La Floyce. They were married in 1956 and had 6 children together: Brian(Kathy), Debra(Don), Diana, William(Sherri), Steven(Angelina), Peggy (now deceased) and Kodie. After the passing of his wife he met Beverly Jean Alley in late 2001, Bill moved from California to Oregon and they were married on February 6, 2002. At that time he gained a step daughter  Cindy(Randy)

     Bill and Bev enjoyed making memories and traveling.  They decided to settle in Richland, Oregon.  He was a member of the American Legion and when moving to Richland, became a member of VFW Post #7847.  He lived out his days reminiscing about the good ol' days with friends and family. . 

   Bill was a Man of God who was well loved and respected by many in his lifetime. He loved to help others and he could be fun and playful though he was a strict and serious man when he needed to be. He really enjoyed playing golf, fishing and loved the Dallas Cowboy football team.  A favorite style of music was "Country"  He was always singing and dancing and could play many instruments. For approximately five years, he and Bev ran Karaoke night at the Shorthorn in Richland.  He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Bill loved to see the beautiful world God has made for us all. He was interested in fixing things so he made his career out of fixing and engineering electronic equipment with several companies: Western/ PAC bell, retired AT&T,GE} over his years of work service. Bill will be deeply missed and we will carry a piece of his heart with us all. 

     "We’ll surely be happy when we see a rose we’ll think of you Husband, Daddy, Papa each day. So between now and then, till we see you again, we’ll be loving you."

     Bill is survived by his wife Bev, his children, 11 grand children and 7 great grandchildren. 

     For those who would like to make a memorial donation in memory of Bill the family suggests the VFW Post #7847 or the American Legion through Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services PO Box 543 Halfway, Oregon 97834.  Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com