G. William ThompsonWHITE COTTAGE: G. William (Bill) Thompson, 76, of White Cottage, died at 1:30 pm on Saturday, April 26, 2014 at Grant Medical Center as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident. Bill died peacefully surrounded by his family, who were privileged to witness his passing into heaven to be with the Lord.He was born on June 7, 1937, son of Glenn G. Thompson and Catherine (Katie) Schramm Thompson Paynter. Bill graduated from Zanesville High School in 1955, Muskingum College in 1959 and the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in 1960. He was a lifelong resident of White Cottage and joined his father in the family business at the William Thompson & Son Funeral Home. After the death of his father in 1969, Bill became the owner and operator of the business as 3rd generation, until he was joined by his sons Tim and Todd as 4th generation funeral directors. The family business has carried on a proud legacy for 118 years. Bill is survived by his wife of 54 years, Nancy Clarke Thompson, whom he met at Muskingum College during freshman orientation and has been at his side ever since. He is also survived by five children and their spouses: Todd Thompson (Wendy), Tara Poorman (Tom), Tim Thompson (Susan), Ted Thompson (Megan), and Tracie Hill (Brian). Bill's grandchildren whom he loved dearly include: Rachel Poorman Matz (Dakota), Melanie Poorman, Electa Thompson, Olivia Thompson, Molly Thompson, Aaron Thompson, Kaleigh Hill, Cameron Hill, and Conner Hill. Bill made a huge impression on everyone he came into contact with, whether at the funeral home, where he followed his call to be a servant disciple to others in need, or within the many organizations to which he gave his time and talents. His activities included, most importantly, his church - Trinity United Presbyterian Church. He was an elder and pillar of the church and served as building chairman when the three churches came together to build the existing structure on Military Road. Other leadership positions in the community included: former president of the Maysville Local School board, former president of the Board of Trustees of Zane State College where he recently received Emeritus status, member of the Bethesda Hospital Board of Directors and the Genesis Advisory Board, past president of the Limestone Valley Lions club, Muskingum Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross, Muskingum Valley and the Ohio Charolais Association. He was also an active member of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association and Federated Funeral Directors. Bill's loves were his family and participating in all his children and grandchildren's activities, showing cattle and riding quarter horses, pitching fastpitch softball where he was known as "Billy T", and being a faithful servant by helping others cope with the grief of losing a family member. His compassion, grace and skill as an embalmer and funeral director are known far and wide. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He leaves a legacy of love and strength in family that will be carried on by the William Thompson & Son Funeral Home and by all the Thompson family members. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, April 30 from 2:00 - 8:00 pm at the funeral home in White Cottage. The funeral service is scheduled for 10:30 am on Thursday, May 1 at the William Thompson & Son Funeral Home with the assistance of the J.E. Humphrey Funeral Home. The burial will follow at Wesley Union Cemetery, where Bill will be taking his final ride in the family's horse-drawn hearse. Ministers officiating the services will be Rev. Dennis Allison and Rev. Paul Ashbrook. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Trinity United Presbyterian Church, Military Rd., Zanesville or to Zane State College for The Thompson Family Scholarship.