William Earl "Bill" Thompson went home to be with his Savior on September 30, 2023 at the age of 89. Bill was born at home outside of Dierks, Arkansas in an area locally referred to as Possum Holler on March 27, 1934 to O.E. and Otilla "Tilly" Thompson. Weighing in at 3 pounds, he slept in an original DIY incubator, a dresser drawer set on the oven door to keep him warm. His sister, Marge was born 11 months later. The Thompson family moved often until settling in Del City, OK. They were one of the founding families of First Southern Baptist Church. First Southern is where he met and married his wife of almost 61 years, Frances Louise Bryant. During the first 4 years of their marriage, they were stationed at various Air Force bases around the country, until returning to Oklahoma where they started their family. They were blessed with three daughters. Bill attended the University of Oklahoma. He traveled the country selling color analyzers and was eventually hired by Aero Commander as a photographer. As the company changed hands and names, Bill remained. He finished his career as the Senior Corporate Photographer for Gulfstream Aerospace where Lee Iacocca declared him as "his photographer." Bill spent his career flying in, strapped to and hanging out of airplanes to get just the right shot. His pictures were published on over 300 magazine covers. He also received a first place Addy award for one of these covers. Bill is survived by his family: Nancy and Wesley Boothe of Anadarko, children Christopher, Stephen, wife Sydney and son Levi and Jamie Boothe and daughter Olivia. Leslie and Bob Kyle of Oklahoma City, children, Amy, husband Robert, children R.J., Ailey and Willie, John, wife Rachel. Barbara and Billy Byrd of Jenks, children Kaylee and Matthew. He is also survived by his sister, Marge and sister-in-law, Jo Ann. Bill was known as Uncle Willie to his many nieces and nephews and their children. Bill and Louise joined Portland Avenue Baptist Church in 1964, where they faithfully attended. Bill was an active deacon and longtime fifth grade Sunday School teacher where he was known as "Mr. Bill." He also led young boys in Royal Ambassadors, coached the girls softball team, helped in VBS and Whiz Kids. He and Louise served in Special Ministries. If the doors were open, he was there with camera in hand. After retirement, Bill joined his wife in volunteering at Integris Baptist Hospital. He put in over 5,000 hours serving patients from the coffee cart. Momma and Daddy provided a "cookie ministry," taking homemade cookies to church members, hospitalized friends and anyone in need of a cookie. After Momma passed, Daddy took over the baking and delivery himself. He was also a member of the Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief team. He served in over 20 disaster areas after tornadoes, hurricanes, floods and in New York after 9/11. He was often gone for weeks serving food to people in need. Bill also loved to paint with watercolors, winning many awards. He was in the Shorney Gallerys "Top Seller Show" for 7 years straight. At one time his artwork was hanging in the State Capital. He also had 31 paintings hanging in a local bank. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Portland Avenue Baptist Church childrens ministry, Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children, or follow our parents lead and serve others by volunteering at your church and in the community. Viewing at Mercer-Adams will be 9am-8pm on Wednesday with family present from 6-8pm. Funeral services will be at 10:00am on Thursday, October 5 at Portland Avenue Baptist Church. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of William Earl 'Bill' Thompson, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store. Visitation with Family Present Mercer-Adams Funeral Service Wednesday, October 04, 2023 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM 3925 N. Asbury Ave. Bethany, OK 73008-3329 Viewing Wednesday 9am-8pm at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service. Funeral Service Portland Avenue Baptist Church Thursday, October 05, 2023 10:00 AM 1301 N. Portland Avenue Oklahoma City, OK