William Gene Thompson

Gene was born in Rockingham, North Carolina on Christmas Day 1936. He resided there until he graduated from high school and joined the United States Airforce. After serving four years in the military, he moved to Birmingham where he worked for Baggett Transportation and attended night classes at Samford University. He earned his business degree from Samford, and immediately went to work for New York Life Insurance Company and retired after proudly serving fifty years.

Gene’s life was always focused on service and philanthropy; he was a 32-degree Mason with the Scottish Rite, and an active member of the Zamora Shrine Temple. He was Potentate in 1997 and served fifty years as both a Mason and a Shriner.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, AB and Eunice Thompson, sisters Barbara Dunlap and Sue Dunn, and brother Brantley Thompson. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Pat, daughter Paige Gann (Gary), son Russell Thompson (Lynn) and grandchildren, Travis Gann (Kendall), and Logan Arnwine (Matt).

Family services will be held on Thursday, November 3rd at Ridout’s Gardendale Chapel.

It was Gene’s wish that in lieu of flowers, any donations be made to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital to honor his memory.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsgardendalechapel.com for the Thompson family.