William “Wild Bill” Thompson, 78, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2020 at Edgewood Assisted Living Facility in Helena, MT after a lengthy battle with dementia. Bill was born on February 1, 1942 in Bakersfield, CA to Carl and Tiny (Hill) Thompson.
Bill married his first wife Cheryl Swan-Walling in 1964 and they had two children together: David and Carrie. Years later they parted ways and he moved to Montana. He then met the love of his life Ann Marie (Knott) and they wed on December 22, 1981 (just celebrated 39 years of marriage). They had five children together: Derrick, Kelsie, Mark, Nicholas “Nick”, and Allison “Allie”. Bill was also blessed with 10 grandchildren: Meleya, Teely, Zavier, Paxton, Tyzer, Kaitlynn, Alyssa, David Jr., Ashley, and Robert.
Bill spent many of his years honing his skills as a floor installer. The quality of his work found its way into many homes and businesses around California, Nevada, and Montana. Years later Bill started a new career at Ash Grove Cement where he dedicated 19 years mainly as a Quarry Truck Operator.
Bill was an individual who was not afraid to march to the beat of his own drum. Though he had a tough exterior he had a deep love for his family/friends and would do anything for them. One of his passions from an early age was riding dirt bikes then on to Harleys. Bill found great enjoyment out of life whenever he could hop on a bike and go for a ride. Later in life, after he sold his prized Harley, he found that riding a bicycle with his children brought him just as much enjoyment. In Bill’s retirement years he started to explore the bible and finally decided that he was going to accept the Lord into his life. He would preach to anyone willing or unwilling to listen. He enjoyed attending LifePoint Church.
Family and Friends are all welcome to attend his funeral services on Thursday, January 7 at 11am. The service will take place at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave. Helena, MT.
Nelma Mosier says
AnnMarie and family I’m so sorry for your loss. Wild Bill was a great guy and he loved you so much. Thoughts and prayers to all. Nelma & Shane Mosier🙏🏻❤️
John & Cherie Dahl says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you AnnMarie and the rest of the family. Lots of Church memories of you and Bill 🙏👋
Judy Webster says
AnnMarie & Family, praying for you, & celebrating Bill’s grand entrance into the presence of our LORD. Hugs & love. 🙏🕊💞
Reva Nordhagen says
Anne Marie and family. Blair and I are so sorry for your loss, but celebrate knowing that our separation is short. We will see Bill again. I love what the Word says. We mourn not like the world mourns. We care.
Niel Helfert says
Ann marie. Ginny and I are sorry for your loss. Your in our thoughts and prayers. All our love Ginny and Nielpp
Melodee says
Ann Marie and family. We are so sorry for your loss and pray comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Dave and Melodee Robins
Richard Trerise says
Ann Marie and family, God’s blessings on you during this time of mourning and remembrance.
Dick and Diane Trerise
Jeff & Marion Parks says
I really enjoyed sitting next to Bill in church on the back seats. Bill didn’t talk much but when he did, I listened! He was a great friend and I’m really gonna miss him. Just wanted to let Ann Marie know that I’m praying for you and the family in this time that our Lord will give you peace & comfort. We love U. . . and may God Bless. . .until we all meet again in Glory. . .
Jean & Anthony Strainer says
Ann Marie – our condolences to you and your family on the loss of Bill. You and Bill shared so many wonderful memories that will live on in you. May God send his comforting peace to you and keep you safe.
Paul and Beverly Harker says
Ann Marie, Paul and I are so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Our prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. God bless you all.
Scott St. Clair says
Ann Marie and Family, Bill was a good father and husband as well as a good friend to many. Please find the peace that he is in a better place now. I think it helps to remember the good times. RIP Brother
Jessica Spaulding says
Ann Marie and family, I’m so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I am thinking of you all
Rick and Judy Anderson says
Ann Marie and kids, I’m so sorry to hear about Bill. We had many laughs and good times with him. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tim & Robbin Talbert says
Ann Marie, so sorry for your loss. Robbin and I will keep your family in prayer. We had alot of fun together, with some great road trips!!
Sherry Divine says
I’m praying for your peace and comfort! Love you big Ann Marie!!
Cheyenne Reinhardt says
Ann I’m so so sorry. Bill was such a great guy loved hanging with you both. You both are such good ppl. He had such a good life. I’m so sorry. I’ll keep you in my thoughts. Love ya
John and Donna Davidson says
Sorry to hear about “Wild Bill”. Thinking of your family today and hope you will find peace and comfort. He was a special guy – remember hearing his Harley coming up the street and looking forward to one of our nice visits! Hugs to ya