Obituary
Guest Book
William (Bill) Thompson
A Memorial Service to celebrate the life of William Thompson will be held Friday, February 24, 2017 at 3:00 P.M. at Park Cities Presbyterian Church, 4124 Oak Lawn Ave, Dallas, TX 75219.
In lieu of any memorial gifts and/or flowers, donations may be made to Union Gospel Mission, 3211 Irving Blvd, Dallas, TX 75247, or www.ugmdallas.org.
William (Bill) Thompson
Bill, the oldest of five children born to William and Ernestine Thompson, grew up in a small town in the Mississippi Delta. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at the age of 12 in a summer revival held at his church. After graduation from high school, he attended Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry. His first professional job after college was as a chemist for Bristol-Meyers in Syracuse, New York. After about 12 years with Bristol-Meyers, he resigned his position to answer God's call to full-time ministry. He began a diligent search of the scriptures, engaging in self-study and sharing his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He volunteered in jail and prison ministry, nursing homes and taught Bible study at a small soup kitchen that served the homeless. On Saturday evenings, he held Bible study for homeless men in the basement of his home.
In 1982, Bill enrolled in Dallas Bible College and earned a degree in Biblical Studies. It was then that he started volunteering at the Union Gospel Mission (UGM). After volunteering there for over two years, he was hired to work at the Mission part time. He became the Assistant Director in 1986 and in 1988, he became the interim Director at the request of UGM's board. Later that year, he accepted the position of Executive Director. A founding member of Calvary Bible Church, Bill was asked to lead this all-volunteer congregation, which consisted mostly of homeless men and their families. One of the highlights of his career was the creation of "UGM Games Day", a time for homeless men, women and children to enjoy a day of fellowship, competition, food and fun in the local parks. Bill continued in both positions, director of UGM and pastor of Calvary Bible Church, until he was called home to be with the Lord.
Bill led a full, rich life. He made the most of the years God gave him. He was very active in sports while in high school, college and during his adult years. He was a talented saxophonist and flutist, and his piano skills were not all that bad. He belonged to many professional organizations and served on numerous boards.
Bill loved God. Prayer, study and witnessing were priorities in his life. He loved his family. He was a good son, a wonderful brother and a devoted husband and father. He loved the Mission. He valued his relationships with the Board, staff and disciples. He loved his friends. He cherished them all.
And he was loved. Oh, how he was loved.
Bill was preceded in death by his father, William Thompson; his grandmother, Annie Blunt Clark; his uncles, Oliver West and Walter Thompson; and cousin, Dwain Thompson. He is survived by his mother, Ernestine Thompson; his wife, Erma; his daughter, Erika; his sisters, Faye Thompson; Janice (MacArthur) DeShazer; and Joyce Thompson; and his brother, Terry (Priscilla) Thompson; and beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.
In lieu of any memorial gifts and/or flowers, donations may be made to Union Gospel Mission, 3211 Irving Blvd, Dallas, TX 75247
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Grove Hill Funeral Home.
November 14, 2017
Friend
Willie Feagin
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
March 8, 2017
Please do accept my heartfelt condolence. Sister Erma and Erika know that you have my daily prayer support. Be encouraged in The Lord. Why? Because Bro. Bill run the race and finished to please none but his Master The Lord Jesus Christ. Now Bro. Bill is living eternity in the presence of his Lord and our Lord. Keep the faith, Cobby UGM Dallas.
February 26, 2017
Charlotte Crookham
I did not meet Mr. Thompson in person. I didn't need to. His UGM news column showed his heart for the brotherhood of humanity. May he receive many crowns for serving "the least of these". My condolences to the family, the UGM family, and the loss of a giant servant to our community. UGM patron,
February 25, 2017
Dear Mrs. Erma Thompson - my heartfelt condolences and prayers to you, Erika and all of the family of Bro. Bill. Three songs came to mind that depicted the life I witnessed in Bro. Bill when I heard the news of him being called from labor to rest: "My Living Shall Not Be in Vain; May the Life I Live Speak for Me; and Worthy Vessel." I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked under his leadership at UGM as a former employee of Center Of Hope, now living in Houston, TX area. I am so sorry that I could not be in attendance of the Memorial. May the love of God comfort you and may you find peace in the person of Jesus Christ during this intimate season change of life for you, your daughter Ericka and all of your family members.
In His Service,
Joyce Roberts Raynor
(former Chaplain @ Center of Hope)
P.O.Box 1602 ~ Richmond, TX 77406
February 23, 2017
Monique Anderson
To my sister Erika-
My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family.
We have shared many stories about our dads and, even though I didn't get a chance to meet him personally, I know he loved the Lord, he helped all and he was an incredible father! Hold on to all of your great memories ...they will last forever!
I pray that the Lord brings comfort and healing to your heart and peace to your mind.
February 23, 2017
Eloise Frye
Dear Erma, Erica and Family:
We are not able to support you all in person, but will always be with you in spirit and prayer. Please know that you have our support anytime of the day or night. We are just a telephone call away.
Erma and Erica remember the Sermon on the Mount when Jesus says:
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. may Bill rest in peace.
It is our prayer that God will bless us, so that one day we all will share a wonderful time together.
Your Classmates and Lifelong Friends,
Thelma KylesCollierville, TN
Janet MauldinMacedonia, OH
Yvonne Brown Leland, MS
Celestine LindseyMadison, MS
Gail TurnerWest Point, MS
Eloise FryeKeller, TX
February 22, 2017
Robert & Lydia Perkins
Thank you Bill. You were and still are an inspiration to us all. May the Lord bless you and keep you. You touched the hearts of everyone who had the opportunity and pleasure to meet you.
February 22, 2017
Phil Rydman
Bill was a dear friend whom I enjoyed working with from the offices of the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions. A deep loss for Union Gospel Mission and the Dallas Community.
February 22, 2017
Stephanie Lowe
Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Bro. Bill thank you for the love of Christ that you showed in words, actions and deeds. Your love for Christ, your life & your dedication has touched so many lives and made a tremendous impact on the Kingdom of God. To the Thompson family - may you be comforted during this time under the Lord's wings. We Love You.
Stephanie Lowe and Family
February 21, 2017
Rainer Bantau
Thank you for your faithful service to our Lord and to the men, women, and children of UGMD over the last 30+ years.You will be missed here by many, but you will surely be remembered for the impact you made. Prayers and condolences to your wife and family. Well done.
Rainer & Terri Bantau
4th Friday Chapel
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