William "Bill" Ray Thompson

He was the loving husband of Donna H Thompson for 59 years. Proud father of Gail Denise Gregoire (James), Matthew R Thompson (Margaret), Rebecca T Casteel (Kevin) and Wendy T Verdin (the late Lawrence). Loving foster-father of Henry, the late Chris, and the late David. Grandfather of TJ Guillot (Jenny), James Gregoire III (Kailey), Daniel Gregoire (Becca), Brittany Verdin, Beau Verdin, Caitlyn Palmer, Alex Palmer, Jason Palmer, Casey Casteel, Matthew Thompson Jr., Kevin Thompson, Keith Thompson, Byron Thompson, Ashleigh Sanderson and the late Elizabeth Gregoire Skaggs (Matthew). Son of the late Odis Ray and Mary Larkalee Thompson. Brother of Hollis Thompson (Beth), Lynette Pawlow (Tony) and the late Charles Thompson. Brother-in-law of Diann Hanson (Art) and Debra Hicks. He is also survived by many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other family members who will remember him fondly.

Born and raised in Shreveport, Bill planted roots in Marrero, Louisiana with his small family where he resided for over 55 years. A life-long learner, he earned his Master's Degrees from Northwestern State University. He began his teaching career at Concordia Lutheran School and later a beloved teacher to many at both John Ehret and L.W. Higgins High Schools where he also coached the men's tennis and women's swim teams. A veteran of Vietnam and Desert Storm, he served his country honorably and loyally for over 36 years, retiring a Master Sgt. from the Louisiana Army National Guard, 141st Washington Artillery. He was an avid reader, loved to build and fly model airplanes, watching westerns and enjoyed many activities such as playing tennis, golf and bowling. For him, his greatest source of pride and accomplishment will be the life and family he built with Donna. Bill will be loved and missed by many.

Services to follow at a later date.