Reverend Billy Thompson

Reverend Billy Thompson, age 84, of Rutherfordton, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Saturday, August 24, 2024 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.

Billy was born Friday, January 19, 1940 in Rutherford County to the late W.V. Thompson and Elizabeth Ridings Blaylock Thompson. He faithfully pastored several churches for over fifty years, which included New Hope Baptist Church in Gaffney, Riverside Baptist Church in Harris and the Village Chapel in Forest City. Many people listened to Billy’s sermons on local radio. Billy formerly owned and operated Thompson Timber for many years. He enjoyed fishing and was known for always having Dum Dum suckers to share. He was affectionately called “Papa Dum Dum” by his great-grandchildren. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-three years, Christine “Chris” Thompson; siblings, Lillian Hines, Sulena Dickert, Zula Greene, Duran Thompson, Hayward Thompson, R.A. Thompson, Lanier Thompson, Charles Thompson, Donald Thompson; granddaughter-in-law, Monica Gossett and a great-great granddaughter, Mills Williams.

Those left to his treasure his memory include his daughter, Anne Thompson Gossett (Jerry); son, Wayne Thompson all of Rutherfordton; brother, Max D. Foy Thompson of Piedmont, SC; sister, Betty Cobb of Rutherfordton; grandchildren, Jeremy Gossett, Tina Gossett Williams (Michael), Travis Thompson (Paula), Troyia Thompson (Joni), Daniel Thompson and Christopher Thompson; great-grandchildren, Brittany Scott (Zack), Blake Williams (Sara), Makayla Spivey (Ethan), Kendall Gossett, Nate Thompson, Nora Thompson, Treyton Thompson, Tinslee Thomspon; great-great grandchildren, Baylior Spivey, Everett Scott, Greylan Spivey and Hutton Williams. 

The funeral service will be conducted at 3:30 pm on Tuesday, August 27th at the Harrelson Funeral Chapel with Reverend Clay Collins and Reverend Buddy Robbins officiating. Interment will follow at the Thompson Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at the funeral home.

Memorial donations are requested to the Thompson Family Cemetery Fund, 1910 W.V. Thompson Road, Rutherfordton, NC 28139.