Service
Delmas U. “Bill” Thompson, age 96, left this world for a far better home with the Lord on Sunday, June 11th, 2023.
Bill is a World War II Veteran, serving in the US Navy until the end of the war, when he returned to his hometown of Morganton, North Carolina. Bill worked for several automotive dealerships in the nineteen-fifties before going to work for the State of North Carolina. Bill retired from state service at age 62 to enjoy more time with his wife and grandchildren. Bill was one of the last remaining members of the 1944 graduating class of Morganton High School, whose surviving members met periodically for many years. Remaining active throughout his retirement years, he loved to be outdoors and enjoyed walks along the Greenway and working in his vegetable garden. But the most important thing in life, for Bill, was spending quality time with his family and dear friends. And he never missed an opportunity to go to the beach, and never turned down ice cream.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Marcus Ulry Thompson and Ruby Shumaker Denton; his loving wife of 65 years, Sadie Thompson; and brother and sister-in-law Cecil and Jean Thompson of Knoxville TN.
He is survived by his son, Mark Thompson (April); grandchildren, Katherine Thompson and Brandon Thompson (Summer); great-grandchildren, Emma and Ellie Carswell; nephew, Andy Thompson; niece, Becky Thompson; nephew, Austin Smith; niece, Jeanne Adams; nephew, Alan Annis; niece, Audry Curtis; niece, Kim Fox; and niece, Angela Fox.
The family will receive friends in the parlor at First Baptist Church in Morganton on Friday, June 16, 2023 from 3 until 4pm. The service will be help at 4pm at the church columbarium with Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. officiating.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Delmas U. “Bill” Thompson.
Bill and my dad Elvin Long were great friends for a number of years. Made beach trip, ice cream trips and never miss a Morganton festival. They worked at Broughton for many years together. Loved Bill and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! PS I also worked for Bill right out of college!
I am going to echo Sarah White's condolence, as I also worked with Bill. He was indeed always very polite and a gentleman. As mentioned, his memory was outstanding. After retirement, every lunch I had with Bill was always extremely enjoyable; I always learned something new about the history of Morganton and an interesting tidbit about his family history. He will be missed!
Bill and Sadie were my neighbors for years when I lived on Cedar Street, right across from Forest Hill. Bill was such a kind, friendly person who never hesitated to help out if you needed it. He was a light for all who new him.
I was blessed by visiting with both Bill and Sadie in their home some years ago. They showed me many pictures of family I had never met. My father, Paul Shumaker, had left us when I was only one year old, so Bill wanted me to know about family members I didn’t know. Bill and I exchanged tales of working for the State and life’s experiences while sweet Sadie made sure I felt very welcomed in their home. Another time I met Bill for dinner in Morganton, along with Aunt Mary and cousin Carol Shumaker. We had such a good time. I treasure every minute spent with Bill. He was a dear, precious man who always made me wish I had known him (and Sadie) much longer. Until we meet again, dear one, enjoy your heavenly home. Reggie Hefner
My condolences to all of his friends and family
My sincere sympathy to the Thompson family in the loss of our dear cousin Bill. My sister Sandi and I were honored to be able to be there at the end to say good-by to such a dear, sweet man. Bill was the last of that generation in the Shumaker family and we cherished the hours we spent with him, reliving stories and memories from days gone by. Even at 96, his memory and recall of details and dates was remarkable!! Family was so important to him. He is now resting in the sweet arms of his dear Sadie in heaven with our Lord and Saviour. I will miss him so much, but we will all see one another again!! God Bless and Rest in Peace, sweet Bill!
My sincere sympathy to Mark and the family. I will treasure these last few years as my sister Shirley and I visited and listened to Bill's stories about growing up with our dad. Bill was the last link in that generation of the Shumaker family and he was a wonderful person. He told us numerous times that he loved us like sisters instead of cousins. In turn we would call him our brother. I know he is heaven with Sadie but his absence on earth is acutely felt. Rest in peace dear Bill.
Bill was a wonderful person. Worked with him at JAMS . Polite and a gentleman always. Rest in peace my friend Bill!!
My condolences to the family in their great loss. Bill was a good man and I loved what time I was privileged to know him. I also want to acknowledge those that were there at the end like his cousins Sandy and Cindy, as well as Rebecca who sat many an hour with Sadie at the end, as well as Bill whom she loved dearly. He is at peace. May we all treasure his memories and love for his family and friends!