William "Bill" Lee Thompson

Bill Thompson, 93, of Arlington, Texas passed away on Wednesday, December 20, 2023. He was born on April 7, 1930 in El Paso, Texas. Bill was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a hardworking individual who dedicated himself to the Lord, his family and career.

Bill served in the Army during the Korean War as a member of the Military Police Corps. He joined the Army on February 16, 1951 and later transitioned to the Army Reserve on November 25, 1952, serving until October 17, 1956.

Bill began a career with Texas & Pacific Railroad in 1950. He served his apprenticeship in Marshall, Texas, after it was over, he worked in El Paso. He eventually was promoted to supervisor in Dallas, where he met his wife, Maxine, who also worked for T&P Railroad. Bill and Maxine were both transferred to Fort Worth Centennial Yard, where they both retired. Through his dedication and commitment, he was promoted to the Supervisor in the car repair track department in Fort Worth. Bill retired in 1990 after 37 years of service.

Outside his career, Bill had a passion for flying homing pigeons competitively. He achieved great success in his hobby and won numerous trophies over the years.

Bill was first a member of New York Avenue Baptist Church and later moved membership to Woods Chapel Baptist Church for his worship of the Lord.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Maxine Thompson; sister, Jane Fisher and her husband, Earl Fisher, of El Paso, Texas; son, William (Bill) Cole Thompson and his wife, Gaile Thompson of Abilene, Texas; daughter, Carlisle Ardoin and her husband, Wade Ardoin of Abilene, Texas; daughter, Rene' Martin and husband, Jackie Sutton of Arlington, Texas; son, Tony Gardner and wife, Kaye Gardner of Crowley, Texas; grandchildren, Jason Martin and wife, Summer Martin, Chris Koffel, Ashlynn Martin and husband, Michael Tyler, A.J. Gardner and wife, Courtney Gardner, Thomas (Tommy) Lee Gardner and wife, Megan Gardner, William Cole Thompson and wife, Eden Thompson, Seth Ardoin and wife, JoAnna Ardoin, Kelly Felix and husband, Robbie Felix, Jordan Ardoin and wife, Holly Ardoin; as well as 24 great-grandchildren; and 7 great-great-grandchildren.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Benjamin and Lora Thompson; brothers, Thomas (Tommy) Thompson and Stan Thompson; daughter, Tina Koffel; granddaughter, Amber Koffel Gama; and grandson, Shawn Koffel.

A funeral service to celebrate Bill's life will be held on January 4, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Woods Chapel Baptist Church, located at 2424 California Ln, Arlington, Texas 76015. Following the service, a graveside ceremony will take place at 12:00 p.m. at Moore Memorial Gardens, located at 1219 N. Davis Drive, Arlington, Texas 76012. The Moore Bowen Funeral Home at 4216 S. Bowen Road, Arlington, Texas, is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Serving as pallbearers are A.J. Gardner, Tommy Gardner, Jason Martin, Chris Koffel, William Cole Thompson, and Jason Sutton.

Bill Thompson will be remembered as a dedicated family man, a hardworking individual, and his love for the Lord. He will be deeply missed by his loved ones and all who knew him.