CENTRAL CITY – Bro. Billy Edward Thompson, 77, of Central City, passed away Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at 2:05AM at UK Medical Center in Lexington.  He was born November 14th, 1945 in Providence, Kentucky, the son of Willie Huston Thompson and Janie Florence Harper Thompson.  Billy grew up in Bremen, and graduated from Bremen High School in 1963.  Billy was always known for his love of laughter and fun and displayed this throughout his life, always smiling and pulling practical jokes on his family and friends in good fun.

Early in life, Billy worked several interesting jobs from an insurance salesman and potato chip truck driver, to a car salesman and coal miner, living in Evansville, Indiana, and Nashville, Tennessee for a while.  In 1964, he began dating the love of his life, Wanda Drake, who he married November 25^th, 1965.  While living in Madisonville, Kentucky, in 1968, their first daughter, Rhonda was born.  They moved their family back to Central City, and had their son Mark in 1971.  During this time, he worked in the coal mines for 10 years.  He then surrendered to preach in December of 1979, and was ordained at his home church, Woodson Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as a Sunday School Teacher, the Sunday School Director, and also a Deacon.  He earned his Doctor of Divinity degree from Wheaton College in the 1980’s.  Billy’s ministry spanned the next 42 years, including pastoring more than 9 churches.  Presently, Billy was serving as the pastor of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Greenville, Kentucky.  There was nothing Billy loved more than to share Jesus with his family and friends.

Billy also ran Thompson Builders from the 1980’s until the early 2000’s, constructing and remodeling countless homes and commercial structures across the region.  From the opening of METS Home Value in 1998, Billy also worked side-by-side with his son Mark, helping him in the hardware store and sharing his construction and building knowledge with customers that came to shop.  He never failed to share Jesus with customers when he had the chance, and preached some pretty amazing sermons from his rocking chair in the entrance of the store.

Billy is survived by his wife Wanda of 57 years, daughter Rhonda Abbott (Tim), son Mark (Missy), grandsons Jacob Abbott, Lee Abbott, Matthew Thompson, and Mason Thompson, all of Muhlenberg County.  He is also survived by his sister Betty Marsh from Valparaiso, Indiana, brothers-in-law Wayne Drake (Karen), and David Henry, along with countless nieces and nephews who all loved him very much.  Billy was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Mary Nell Moore, Margie Sumner, Jerry Thompson, and Roger Thompson and his sister-in-law Helen Henry.

Billy’s proudest moments during his ministry was performing his children’s marriage ceremonies and baptizing all four of his grandsons after they prayed to accept Christ.  There was nothing like the porch swing training these four young men received from their papaw, complete with life lessons about the Lord, choosing a mate, building projects, and of course fixing up old cars.  Billy’s passion for restoring old cars, especially Ford Mustangs, began with his own children and has definitely been passed on to “his boys.”  The Christian example he and his wife Wanda have placed before their children is a legacy that will live on for generations to come.  Billy never missed a birthday, holiday, anniversary, or a “just because” day and the chance to send her flowers.  He believed in giving loved ones flowers while they were alive.  Their love for each other and the firm foundation they built this family on has certainly been a blessing to us all.

During Billy’s last moments with his family, he encouraged them through prayer, singing, and scripture, inviting them to always look for the light, because where there is light, there can be no darkness.  Billy enjoyed life to the last second, remembering fond moments with family and friends and sharing Jesus with all those around him.  He was a mighty warrior in every way.  He will truly be missed.

Funeral services will be Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 11:00AM at Tucker Funeral Home in Central City, with Bro. Daxton Lear officiating, assisted by Dr. Kevin Milburn.  Burial in Rose Hill Cemetery.  Visitation will be Friday from 5-8PM at the funeral home.  Online condolences may be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com.