Obituary of William Thompson

THOMPSON, William J., "Bill" Sr., age 57, lost his battle with cancer on May 4, 2008. He is preceded in death by parents, William R. and Mary Kay Thompson of Ellsberry, MO. Mr. Thompson is survived by loving wife, Helen "Mickey" Thompson; daughter, Kimberly Thompson of St. Peters, MO; sons, William Jr. (Darlene) Thompson of Murfreesboro, TN and James (Jenny) Thompson of Olathe, KS and their soon-to-be born baby; grandchildren, Samantha, Ainsley, and William Jacob Thompson; his first wife, Sharon McKeever of St. Peters, MO; brother, Thomas Thompson of Morton, IL; and 3 nephews. In 1966, Mr. Thompson was ill and in a pioneering experiment, received the gift of life, a kidney transplant, from his mother's friend, Verda Walton. It is believed that Bill was the longest living recipient from a non-related donor. Even though Mrs. Walton and her husband, Gene Walton, Bill's close friend, have both passed away, Bill continued to enjoy his relationship with his "kidney sisters", Paula Garrott and Dena Walton Thrasher, both of Springfield, IL. He has been owner and partner in many successful business ventures including medical imaging equipment, racecar services and woodworking tools. He has been a pilot and professional racecar driver. Bill enjoyed scuba diving, golfing, boating and fishing and was an avid bowler. He lived life to the fullest. Funeral service will be Thursday, May 8th, 7 pm at Sellars at Mt. Juliet. Visitation with the family will be from 5 pm until time of service. His family would like to thank Alive Hospice for their assistance and kind support during his final days. In lieu of flowers, Bill had requested that donations be made to The National Kidney Foundation, 2120 Crestmoor Rd, Nashville, TN 37215, online at http://www.kidney.org/support/donate.cfm. Arrangements by SELLARS FUNERAL HOME AT MT JULIET, 2250 N. Mt. Juliet Rd, Mt. Juliet, TN, 615-758-5459, Obituary Line 615-758-8818, www.sellarsfuneralservices.com