William "Bill" Thompson, age 73, of Iberia, passed away Monday, April 25, 2011, at University Hospital in Columbia. He was born near Iberia on July 17, 1937, son of the late William Dewey and Madge Mary Elmina (Lawson) Thompson. On October 19, 1963, at the Iberia Church of Christ, Bill married Brenda Martin, who survives at the home.

Bill served in the United States Army and did his basic training at Ft. Wood and later served for two years at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. He worked as the Right-Of-Way Foreman for Gascosage Electric until retiring in 1999. He was a member of the Iberia Saddle Club and the American Legion.

In the summer of 1963, Bill professed his faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized in the Tavern Creek east of Iberia and became a child of God. He was a member of the Iberia Church of Christ where he later served as Deacon.

He enjoyed horseback riding, hunting, fishing, gardening, and working with his cattle on the farm. He loved spending time with his family. His greatest joy was having all of his family come over for a meal on Sunday and spending the afternoon visiting.

He is also survived by three sons, Dwayne Thompson and wife Cathy, Freddie Thompson and wife Terri, and Phillip Thompson and wife DeAnn all of Iberia; seven grandchildren, Allison, Laura, Derek, Lindsey, Matthew, Ashley, and Logan; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by four sisters, Margie Landers, Sadie Maylee, Opal Mallicoat, and Shirley Witt.

Service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 27, at Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Iberia. . Rev. Stan Way and Phil Thompson will officiate. Interment with military honors under the direction of the Iberia VFW Post 105 and the American Legion Post 6167 will be in Alder Springs Cemetery near Iberia.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Alder Springs Cemetery.