Gary Thompson

William Gary Thompson, 73, of Rineyville, KY, passed away at home surrounded by his loved ones on June 11, 2023. Gary was born on June 22, 1949, in Pineville, KY, to Foley and Lois Thompson.
A teaching and coaching opportunity brought him to Ft. Knox in 1971, where he met the love of his life. He and Donna were wed in December of 1972 and were blessed with 4 children, 12 grandchildren, and 50 amazing years of marriage.
During his 33 years at Fort Knox High School before retiring in 2004, Gary served as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and administrator He impacted the lives of countless students during his tenure. He was a mentor and disciplinarian who was respected by students and staff alike. Not a Friday night during a school season went by without his attendance at a FKHS football or basketball game; nor were their many students who didn't know his catch phrase for detention, "today or tomorrow."
If you ask anyone who had the pleasure of sharing a moment with Gary to describe him, you will hear words like dependable, straightforward, positive, energetic, full of integrity, honest, and hard working. He was truly a man who left an impression on those who knew him. Gary's impact will be forever felt by his family, who loved him dearly. His passing leaves an unfillable void in the hearts of his loved ones.
When his children were growing up, you could always find Gary cheering them on in the stands and pushing them to be their best. There were endless basketball games, lessons on throwing baseballs and softballs in the front yard, bike rides, and many nights at the tennis courts and Dawley field. Always a family man, Gary had a firm hand, but a loving heart.
As his grandchildren entered the world, Gary became the best Papaw they could ever have. Every grandchild had a special nickname and a special place in his heart. They all learned the importance of hard work and laughter from their Papaw.
In his retirement you could find Gary pursuing his passion for farming. On his farm is where he was the happiest, working from sunup to sundown. His favorite saying after he retired was "Every day is Saturday, and every meal is a picnic." Never one to waste time, during the past 18 years he worked part-time at Nutrien AG Solutions (Cecilia Farm Service), where he enjoyed spending time with other farmers during his deliveries. If he wasn't working, Gary could be found fishing or hunting, both lifetime hobbies.
Gary was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Michelle; his parents, Foley and Lois Thompson; his in-laws, Donald and Jean Durham; and a brother, Bruce Thompson.
He is survived by his wife Donna and 3 children: Rebecca (Kevin) Eilers, Wendy (Steve) House, and Travis (Kathlyn) Thompson; and 12 grandchildren-Kayla (Nate) Shipman, Reagan, Rex, Kade, and Kash Eilers; Henry, Grant, Lincoln, and Mason House; Mary Beth, William, and Analee Thompson. Gary is also survived by two brothers, David (Pam) Thompson and George (Debbie) Thompson; 1 brother-in-law, Don Durham (Pilar), and 2 sisters-in-law, Karen (Bob) Blatt and Kim (Mike) Dearing, as well as many nieces and nephews and dear friends.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, June 22 at 1:30 PM at the Rineyville Memorial Cemetery. This will be followed by a Celebration of Life from 4-6 p.m. in the Wesley Cafe of Memorial United Methodist Church in Elizabethtown. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., friends and family will have an opportunity to share thoughts and memories of Gary.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a favorite charity
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