Billie Thompson, 96, lived life with such gusto and kindness that people of all ages would say, “When I grow up, I want to be like Billie.” A native of Hinkle Creek, Miss., Billie died November 5, 2025, at Baptist Health Paducah after a brief illness.
Born Nov. 26, 1928, Billie grew up on a farm with independence and an adventuresome spirit. After graduating from Biggersville High School where she played on the girls’ basketball team, she moved to Corinth, Miss., to work as a telephone operator and model for a local department store.
She moved to western Kentucky 70 years ago with her husband Ted, her lifelong love and dance partner until his death in 1993. While their two sons, Lennis and Rory “Ro,” attended Paducah Public Schools, Billie was an active volunteer, creating the first crossing guard program, complete with uniform, white gloves and heels. She later worked at Sears, retiring from the credit department after 25+ years.
A fun enthusiast, Billie bowled on a league for years, with her last game in August. She also played on the ladies’ golf league at Paxton Park, winning several tournaments. A fitness advocate, she walked and exercised daily. She taught the Body Recall senior exercise program for more than 20 years and was even known in recent months to advise her physical therapists of stretches and exercises to relieve their own pain.
Books and crossword puzzles provided her with cherished entertainment.
Billie was a beloved member of Immanuel Baptist Church and the New Beginnings Sunday School class. Relationships were an essential part of her life, with church family providing one of the most important connections.
Billie was known for her feisty and tenacious spirit, her perfectly-applied bright lipstick and carefully-coifed hair every day, and her legendary gelatin salad at potlucks. She had dozens of friends of all ages who will miss her joy and inspiration.
She is survived by her son, Lennis (Sharrie) Thompson, Paducah; grandchildren Garrett (Chelsi) Thompson and Raachel (Austin) Carroll, Paducah; great-grandchildren Rainna Thompson, Ryan Thompson, Sutton Thompson, Emerry Carroll and baby Thompson (January 2026).
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ted Thompson; son, Rory Thompson; parents, Hardy and Minnie Lancaster; and brothers Kenneth, Chick (Aaron Honnoll) and Ralph Lancaster.
Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, November 10, 2025 at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah, 120 Memorial Drive, Paducah, with visitation beginning at noon. Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah will also host a visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 9, 2025, with a memory sharing time at 4 p.m., when all are welcome to share remembrances to celebrate Billie.
Donations in her memory may go to Immanuel Baptist Church, 3465 Buckner Lane, Paducah, Ky. 42001; or Paducah McCracken Senior Citizens Center, 1400 H.C. Mathis Drive, Paducah, Ky. 42001
Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.
