William A. Thompson

William Arthur Thompson (Bill or Billy), beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle,

brother, and friend, passed away peacefully in his home in Yucaipa, California, on May 8, 2025,

at the age of 88. Surrounded by his children and loved ones, both present and beyond the veil, he

was joyfully reunited with his eternal companion, Sharon, as well as family and friends who

preceded him in death.

Born on October 22, 1936, in Los Angeles, California, Bill was the eldest child of Lorenzo

Arthur Thompson and Opal May Gray, both of whom preceded him in death. He grew up in a

large and loving family and carried the responsibility of being the oldest of eight siblings with

grace and strength.

On August 9, 1960, Bill married the love of his life, Sharon Gayle Enna, in the Los Angeles

California Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their marriage was a

beautiful example of devotion and faith, lasting 59 years until Sharon’s passing in March 2019.

Bill proudly served his country in the United States Army, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant

(E-6) in the 1394th DCU. He served honorably during Desert Storm and was known

affectionately by many as “Billy T, the telephone man.” His dedication to service extended

beyond the military—he was a lifelong and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of

Latter-day Saints. He served a full-time mission in the New Northern Mexico Mission, where he

developed a deep love for the Spanish language and the people he served.

Throughout his life, Bill faithfully served in numerous callings within The Church of Jesus

Christ of Latter-day Saints. His warm and welcoming nature made him a beloved presence in

every ward and community he was part of. Bill had a remarkable ability to make others feel truly

seen, heard, and valued. He never missed an opportunity to offer a kind word or a sincere

compliment, always finding and expressing the beauty he saw in others. His presence would

brighten any room, and he made it a personal mission to connect with everyone he encountered,

leaving them uplifted and smiling.

Bill is survived by his five children, who were the pride and joy of his life:

Mary Elizabeth Brown (Kenneth – deceased), mother of 5 children and grandmother to 15

grandchildren

Dori Lynn McClelland (William), mother of 6 children and grandmother to 8 grandchildren

Marjorie Gayle Russo (Matthew), mother of 8 children and grandmother to 9 grandchildren

William Arthur Thompson, Jr. (Christina), father of 5 children and 2 stepchildren

Deanna Ruth Thompson Wheeler (Kelly), mother of 5 children, 5 stepchildren, and grandmother

to 6 grandchildren

In total, Bill leaves behind a legacy of 5 children, 36 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren,

each of whom carries a piece of his love, wisdom, and spirit.

He is also survived by his siblings:

Anna (Garrett), Melvin (Kathy), and John.

He was preceded in death by his siblings: Robert (Marian), Leona (Donald), Eleanor (Boyd), and

David (Monica).

Bill’s legacy is one of deep love—for his family, faith, and country. He will be remembered for

his unwavering devotion to those he cherished, his quiet strength, and the enduring example he

set for future generations. His life was a testament to compassion, loyalty, and the joy found in

serving others.

Services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 12776 6th Street,

Yucaipa, California, at 9:00 a.m. A dedication of the grave will follow at 11:00 a.m. at San

Gorgonio Memorial Park, 2201 N San Gorgonio Avenue, Banning, California, where Bill will be

laid to rest next to his beloved wife Sharon.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the many friends and loved ones who have shared

their incredible love and support through kind messages, flowers, cards, and phone calls. Your

unwavering kindness has brought great comfort and strength.

The Thompson family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff at the Jerry

L. Pettis Memorial Veterans’ Hospital for their exceptional care and compassion. Special thanks

also go to Desert View Hospice for their attentive support. The family extends sincere

appreciation to Emmerson-Bartlett Mortuary for their thoughtful assistance in honoring Bill’s life

with grace and dignity.