Lauil S. Thompson

Lauil S. Thompson born March 25, 1942, departed this life and went to his forever home in Heaven on August 23, 2026.

Lauil was preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy Moman Thompson. His parents, Gartrell Claude (G.C.) and Julia Belle Thompson; his nephew Butch Thompson; beloved grandson Andrew Thompson; his son-in-law, Dean Perryman; his brother, Rodney Thompson; his beloved Aunt and Uncle James and Margaret Hester; and a host of heavenly saints waiting to welcome him to Heaven.

Lauil Thompson is survived by his loving wife, Joy Faye Thompson; his children, Gregg and Candi Thompson; Joy Tilley Perryman; Chris and Kathy Thompson; and Joan and Lamar Coker. His grandchildren Morgan and Dylan Cornelius; Jacob and Katherine Coker; Brinley Thompson; Peyton Coker; Emma Thompson; and Brooklynn Thompson. His precious great grand-children, Bryson and Addie Kate Cornelius. He leaves behind a brother, Jimmy Thompson, and sisters-in -laws, Delores Thompson and Becky Thompson. Lauil also leaves behind beloved nieces, Vicki Hester; and Kim Hester and Susan Shanlever.

He is also survived by many family members in the way of sisters-in-laws, and a very special brother-in-law, Ronald (Ronnie) Jackson; nieces, nephews, and cousins if named individually, would run out of paper before all could be named. These survivors were very special to him and loved by him. He loved every one of his family members very much. Visiting with family was one of the things he looked forward to and made time for. Family reunions would be the highlight of his summer.

Lauil was an active member of Southside Baptist Church. Volunteering for numerous church functions and activities. Whether it was being active in the youth ministry while his children were growing up, serving as a deacon, or coaching Royal Ambassadors (R.A.) basketball, he loved it all and served selflessly. Though his basketball teams may not have won every game, he cherished coaching scores of young men. He and Faye often went on mission trips to serve churches across the country, something he was very honored to do and loved to represent Southside Baptist Church. After his retirement from Alabama Power Company, he volunteered more of his time at church and found his niche with the homebound church members. It was only a short time before he was asked to be an official member of the church staff as the Homebound Minister. This title and role was one that he wore proudly and took very seriously. He would eventually retire as the official Homebound Minister but continue to serve his church and community in this role until the time of his death.

Lauil was never without a smile and never met a stranger. To know him was to love him and he reciprocated that love in a million ways.

Lauil loved Alabama football and his Saturdays spent at games with his sons and granddaughter Morgan were among his most treasured outings. He was a member of the Northeast Alabama Red Elephant Club, Gadsden Chapter, and loved going to those meetings and all the special events held by the Red Elephant Clubs of Alabama. He was also a true fan of the Southside Panthers and attended as many games as he possibly could.

An avid outdoorsman, Lauil loved to hunt and spend time in the woods. He also loved to go to the beach and would deep-sea fish any time he got a chance.

He was frequently seen at Collier-Butler Funeral Home helping out the staff. He was greatly affected by the loss of Keith Collins who was a very special friend to him. Lauil and Faye spent many afternoons stopping by the funeral home to take lunch to Keith, Paulette, and Cody. The family would like to say thank you to Cody and Paulette for loving our dad and being a friend to him.

He was most proud of his ministries with the residents of Regency Pointe, where he held services, and with the Homebound Ministry at Southside Baptist Church. He touched so many lives in both of those capacities.

The family wishes to acknowledge special friends: his early morning coffee crew at the Southside McDonald's; the Deacons at Southside Baptist Church; the staff at Regency Pointe; the staff at Collier-Butler, especially Cody and Paulette; Warren Fuhrman; Jimmy Sewell; Ronnie Jackson; Leslie McGlaughn; Jerry and Becky Luther; and Sandra White.

The family would like to acknowledge and say thank you to Karen Johnson, Jane Bowman, Katie Snell, Melissa Green, Aveanna Hospice, and Angels of Healing Sitting Service.