Billie Jean “Bill” Thompson, 77, of Kountze died Tuesday, May 12, 2010, at Silsbee Oaks Health Care.  Bill was born July 5, 1932, in Pineland, Texas to William Wyley and Emma Lee (Haynes) Thompson.  A Kountze resident since 1952, he retired with Bethlehem Steel as a draftsman.  He was a longtime member of Central Baptist Church where he served as Deacon and church treasurer.  Bill proudly served his country in the United States Army.

He is survived by his children, Quincy Thompson and his wife Sandra of Marshall, Donald Thompson and his wife Janice of Kountze, Sue Henderson and her husband Bobby of Kountze, Darlene Watson and her husband Joel of Silsbee, and Willie Swindell of Silsbee; brother, Lloyd Thompson of Kountze; sister, Jo Harrison of Woodville; seventeen grandchildren; and twenty-seven great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by by his wife, Dorothy Thompson and son, Ricky Thompson.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 15, 2010, at Broussard’s, 530 W. Monroe, Kountze with Reverend Robert Hall and Reverend Aaron Crain officiating.  Burial will follow at Fellowship Cemetery in Warren.  A gathering of family and friends will be Friday, May 14, 2010, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Broussard’s.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s memory to one’s charity of choice.