The oldest of seven children born to the late William "Dick" and Janie Thompson arrived in Muskogee, Oklahoma on August 18, 1921 and was named William Edward Thompson.

Better known as "Sonny" to all who knew him, Mr. Thompson confessed a hope in Christ at an early age. He attended school in Muskogee, where he ultimately graduated from the Historic Manual Training High School in 1938. He continued his education at Langston University.

Sonny enlisted in the United States Army, where he served his Country honorably. He married Geraldine Smith and their union was blessed with two children. This marriage was later dissolved.

Mr. Thompson lived in California after serving his timein the military, where he remained until he retired from his job as a machinist. Later in life, he returned to his home town of Muskogee, where he attended Macedonia Baptist Church until his health began to fail.

William Edward Thompson, after 85 years, went to be with the Lord on November 13, 2006 from Muskogee, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Mary Alice Thompson and Fairy Lou "Shorty" Thompson and a brother, Levester R. Thompson.

Remaining to be comforted; two children, Connie Walters and her husband, John, Decatur, Georgia and Edward Thompson, Las Vegas, Nevada; three grandchildren, Guinevere Goldsmith, Miramar, Florida, Willie Goldsmith, Jr., Miami, Florida and Mark Anthony Thompson, Las Vegas, Nevada; two sisters, Hattie L. Shipp and Marie A. Lyons, both of Muskogee, Oklahoma; a brother, Eric Thompson , New York, New York and his wife, Ruthie, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The final tribute will be on Monday, November 20, 2006 at 11:00 A.M. in the Macedonia Baptist Church. Reverend Larry H. Smith, Sr., Pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow at 1:00 P.M. in the National Cemetery at Fort Gibson, Oklahoma.

You may visit "Sonny" as he slumbers at the Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc., on Sunday from 1 PM to 5 PM.