Tommy Thompson

Willard "Tommy" Lawson Thompson
Tommy was born February 9, 1939, in the quiet woods of Sikes, LA to Henry and Gladys Thompson. Tommy lived a full and vibrant life, overcoming many obstacles along the way. He was a United States Air Force veteran who served from 1956-1960. He was awarded the Good conduct award and was honorably discharged. During his service, he served as a tool and dye mechanic.
Tommy worked as a machinist for 20 years where he was a very skilled craftsman. This helped drive his desire to make a name for himself, leading to him to found American Lure and Tackle where he created the famous fishing lure, The Judge. He later started another successful business. He owned and operated Thompson's Professional Wallcovering and Painting for 37 years where he painted nearly all of Dallas. He loved to drive through the city and share about jobs he completed in all the buildings and homes along the route.
In his younger years, Tommy enjoyed boxing, racing cars, and hunting. He always was very proud to have owned a 1962 Chevy Impala 409, named Casper the Friendly Ghost, which set the world record in the quarter mile.
Tommy enjoyed bass fishing competitively and served as the Vice President of the first bass club in Louisiana, Ouachita Bass Club. He also served as the President of Clearwater Bassmasters of Monroe, Louisiana. He was an avid sports fan. He loved the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, and LSU Tigers. For his 80th birthday, he had the wonderful opportunity to visit Death Valley for the first time and witness his LSU Tigers play football. He watched every Super Bowl that ever aired and got to experience the Texas Rangers winning the world series before his death.
Tommy met the love of his life, Kathy. They were married in 1963 and were married for 58 years before Kathy's death in 2021. They spent many years together enjoying friends and family, often hosting fish frys and other social gatherings. Tommy and Kathy spent 24 years together without children. During that time, they chose to love and support their nieces and nephews. Tommy loved them each as his own and spent a large time in his life loving and nurturing them, teaching them, and showing them the value of integrity and commitment.
In 1987, Tommy and Kathy welcomed their daughter Tiffany into the world. Tommy was an amazing father to Tiffany. He was always present, loved her deeply, and never missed an opportunity to brag about her to anyone who would listen.
In his last few years on earth, Tommy found the warmth and joy of new friendships during his time at the Sachse and Garland senior centers. He learned to play pool and started playing Texas Hold 'Em and spent many days with his friends doing the things he loved with people who made him feel special.
Tommy always said his greatest adventure in life was becoming a grandparent. Both his grandchildren brought him nothing but joy, laughter, and strength. He loved to teach them about fishing and coin collecting and chose to courageously fight the cancer that ultimately took his life in hopes of watching them grow up for just a little bit longer.
Tommy is preceded in death by his wife, Kathy Thompson, parents, Gladys Thompson and Henry Thompson, and siblings Donnis Bench, Donald Thompson, and Baskin Thompson. He is survived by daughter, Tiffany Steele and husband Greg, two grandchildren, Erik and Hannah Jo Steele, and a host of very special nieces and nephews.
Family will receive guests at Williams Funeral Home in Garland on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at 9:30 am with service to follow immediately after. Graveside services for family to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations will be joyfully received by the Sachse Senior Center in Honor of Tommy Thompson.
Pallbearers:
Curtis Dewey, Paul Collins, Ira Wilson, Robert Shields, Don Small, Robert Clarkson.
Honorary Pallbearers:
Ralph Bovee, Sam Irby, Leonard Morgan, James Long, David Townsend, Jeff Gordon, Greg McClure, and Larry Bovee