William Cyrus Billy Thompson -Sept. 12, 1912-May 31, 2009. Mr. Billy as he was fondly called, was born in Caledonia, MS. He was the son of the late Cyrus and Bessie Vaughn Thompson. He was introduced to a kinder way of life of horses, buggies, chores and fun on a farm. Moving to Columbus at an early age, his love for horses and people never faded. At an early age, he served as a paper boy for the Saturday Evening Post using a dog and goat to pull his Paper Wagon . As he expanded his route, this job enabled him to meet new people, which he loved to do. Billy married his love, Lucy Wasson Thompson, on November 24, 1937, starting a long life of almost 60 years together. She passed away a week before their 60th wedding anniversary. During those years together their family grew with 6 children to love and care for. Joys and sorrows fell on them as they were preceded in death by two grown children-a son, William Cyrus Thompson Jr., and a daughter, Lucy Katherine Griffin; and by two grandsons, William Cyrus Thompson III, Tony W. Thompson; and a great-grandson Collin Dempsie Smith. He leaves to cherish his memory a brother Joseph R. Thompson (Jo); children Joseph W. Thompson (Toni), John L. Thompson (Cindy) and Willie T. Bell (Bill) of Columbus and Martha A. Brisbine (Floyd) of Pontotoc, MS. Grand children John Wasson Thompson (Kati), Cappe T. Hallberg (Eric) of Starkville, Joseph W. Thompson Jr.(Camille) of Columbus, Jean T. Fiske (Bob) of Germany, David Brisbane (Linda) of Pontotoc, MS, Jason Griffin (Debbie) of Virginia, Deborah B. Smith (Glenn) of Daphne, AL, Brenda B. Achter (Erik) of Columbus, William H. Bell III (Lori) of Michigan, Rudy Solano of Costa Rica and 11 great-grandchildren, along with many dear relatives and friends. He was a graduate of Mississippi State University where he majored in animal husbandry. He was a member of First United Methodist Church and the Baraca Sunday School Class. Mr. Billys life was centered around having families know each other, friends around all the time, and horses to ride and share. His love for people and horses was demonstrated every year as he celebrated his birthday with friends and family in his front yard with food and buggy rides. In celebration of his life, we invite his friends and relatives to come and pay their last respects and say goodbye in his front yard this Thursday, June 4, 2009 from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. with services following. He loved so many and we want you to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Rides Program, a therapy program with horses for people with disabilities. Address: Rides 540 Gurlie Malone Road Caledonia, Ms 39740
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