Billy E. (Rooster) Thompson

STATE COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR BILLY E. (ROOSTER) THOMPSON passed away on Jan. 22, 2015. He was born on Dec. 8, 1925 in Humphrey, Ark. He attended Little Rock High School and lettered in baseball, listed as a left hand pitcher with knuckleball. Phillies called him, but the war called instead. He married Donya D. (Dodie) Pitts and had two children, Billy E. Jr. (Debbie) and Donya S. Thompson. He was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1944. Billy served in the Philippine Islands during World War II and then enlisted in the Enlisted Reserve Corps. Then he entered into the Arkansas Army National Guard where he served until retirement. While in the National Guard full time, he served as First Sergeant for several units. As CSM, he was one of the original personnel selected to establish the Professional Education Center at Camp Robinson. He served there as an instructor and personnel committee chief. He also was selected to be a member of the committee to establish the Arkansas National Guard NCO Academy at Camp Robinson. There he served as First Sergeant for the first class. He had many military awards and decorations. Billy served his country well. His family always first, he will be missed by all. He is survived by his son, Billy Jr. (Debbie); daughter, Donya S. Thompson; grandson, Mike Thompson (Kristy) and great-grandson, Corbin Thompson. Viewing will be held at Huson Funeral Home Chapel in Sherwood on Monday, Jan. 26 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Graveside services will be held at Arkansas State Veterans' Cemetery on Jan. 27, 2015 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice at 14 Parkstone Cr. North Little Rock, AR 72116. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Arkansas Hospice and Premiere Health and Rehabilitation for their outstanding care. Sign an online guestbook at husonfuneralhome.com.