William E. Thompson

William E. “Bill” Thompson, 75, of Grandview Heights, Ohio, passed away on August 30, 2025, nearly a week after sustaining a head injury caused by a sudden loss of consciousness while riding his bicycle. He was surrounded by family in a room facing toward nearby Ohio Stadium, and his passing came just moments after the Buckeyes’ season-opening victory over Texas.

Bill was a proud member of the Upper Arlington High School class of 1967, a two-time graduate of The Ohio State University, the Founder of Grandview Dental Care, and a trusted local dentist for over 40 years.

Bill lived with quiet strength and boundless curiosity. He skied, sailed, played pickleball and golf with joy and precision, and read the newspaper every day. He could fix anything and was known for his calm demeanor, genuine interest in others, and keen listening ear.

A lifelong tinkerer, Bill built his first car and later a personal aircraft, continuing his family’s tradition of aviation. He played guitar and piano with the same warmth and ease that defined his spirit, and his love for classic rock and Jimmy Buffett was a constant soundtrack to his life. Whether in the garage, the skies, or around the piano, Bill approached life with patience, skill, humility, and humor.

He found joy in the kitchen, cooking meals that brought comfort and connection. He and his wife, Becky, shared a love of travel, exploring new places together with curiosity and delight. Bill also cherished time with his grandchildren—building projects, playing games, and listening to their stories with his signature attentiveness and gentle smile.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Betty and Edwin “Ned” Thompson and is survived by his beloved wife, Becky Chapan Thompson; his sister, Tana Thompson Strome; his children, BJ (Sarah) Thompson and Annie Thompson Inks (Lee); and five grandchildren: Sydney, Hailey, Owen, Peter, and Emma.

A memorial service will be held at Schoedinger Northwest on September 6th from 10:30 to 11:30 AM for all who knew and loved Bill. A reception for friends and family will follow from 11:30 to 1:30 PM. All are invited to share stories, photos, and tributes on the dedication page at

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/columbus-oh/william-thompson-12505157.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly encourages memorial contributions to the charity Free to Smile (https://www.freetosmile.org/) and to causes that reflect Bill’s spirit and values, as listed on his memorial page.