William "Pete" Robert Thompson

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of William R. "Pete" Thompson, age 77, of Knoxville, Tennessee, on June 18, 2025, after a short but strong fight against lung cancer. Pete passed into the next world peacefully with his son Bill and his devoted daughter in law Lee Ann by his side.

Pete was born December 4, 1947, in Hollywood, Florida, to Earnest Thompson and Lily Mae (Hinson) Thompson. He was raised by his beloved grandmother, Hattie Hinson, whom he adored. He and his family relocated early in his life to Meridian Mississippi where he spent his early life before later relocating to the Memphis area. He served in the U.S. Army and later in the U.S. Air Force where he worked as an airplane mechanic. He then began a 20-year career with PPG Paining before starting his own successful company, PCI. He married his first wife, Maxine, and they welcomed their son, William R. Thompson Jr. ("Bill"). His second marriage to Fay brought two more sons into his life-his stepson, Shane Workman, and together they had Christopher Brian Thompson. Pete's third marriage to Dorothy (Davis) Thompson produced two sons, William Oliver Thompson and Alexander Raymond Thompson.

Pete was a natural-born salesman and successful entrepreneur, with an uncanny ability to sell anything he set his mind to. He founded PCI in the Memphis area and grew it into a thriving business. Later, he and Dorothy moved to New Hampshire, where he re-launched PCI and again led it to success.

Pete's warmth and humor lit up every room. He loved the feel of a warm beach beneath his feet and loved listening to Jimmy Buffett and warm summer breezes. He loved NASCAR, boating and fishing and was an avid reader. His greatest love was for his children. He beamed with pride when he talked about them. He believed his greatest work, his legacy, was his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. A devout believer in Jesus Christ, Pete always found strength and comfort in his faith.

Pete was always a charmer, a ladies' man, right to the end, and could make anyone his friend. He remained good friends with all of his ex-wives right to the very end. When you loved Pete, you always loved Pete. That went for not only his wives, but all of the countless friends, and extended family and adopted family he acquired during his life. He was a true ray of light that even death cannot extinguish.

His biggest heartbreak was the tragic loss of his son Christopher Brian Thompson in 2018 at the age of 34. A devastating loss and a heartbreak he never recovered from. Waiting for him when he crossed into the next world was undoubtedly his son Chris, his Grandmother Hattie Hinson, his parents, Earnest and Lily Mae Thompson, his older brothers Everett and Leon, his younger brother Mike, who was not only his brother but one of his closest friends, Mike's wife Melissa (Missy) and their son, his nephew Dustin.

Pete is survived by his sons William Robert (Bill) Thompson Jr. and his wife Lee Ann Thompson of Knoxville, TN, Shane Workman of Memphis, TN, William Oliver Thompson and Alexander Raymond Thompson of Kingston, NH, Grandchildren William Eric Thompson and Catherine Lee (Thompson) Honen, and great grandchildren Everett Charles Honen and Eloise Elizabeth Honen and three ex-wives, Maxine, Fay, and Dorothy.

Pete also leaves behind many extended family members, in laws, and devoted friends that will miss his charm and light in this world.

A Celebration of Life service will be held from 5pm-9pm. on Friday, July 18th, at The Legion in Epping NH. The celebration is open to all who knew and loved Pete.

The Thompson family extends heartfelt thanks to all who have offered their prayers and support. Pete's generous spirit, quick wit, and steadfast faith will live on in the many lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Pete's memory to St. Jude’s Cancer Research Hospital.