William Keith Thompson

Mr. William ‘Keith’ Thompson, 71, of Carlton, husband of Sheila Carol Graham, passed away suddenly but peacefully in his sleep on Friday, February 7, 2025, at his residence. 

Born on an Air Force Base in Shreveport, LA on November 11, 1953, Keith was a son of the late William Guy Thompson, Jr. and Audrey Jean Harrison Thompson. He was a 1972 graduate of Madison County High School and earned a bachelors in business from Limestone College. 

Like his father before him, Keith proudly served his country in the military. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1974 until 1980. His love for his country never wavered.

Keith worked for many years at Duke Power’s Oconee Nuclear Station in Seneca, SC and retired from Pilgrim’s Pride in Athens where he worked as a truck driver. 

A man of great faith, he was a member of Goss Baptist Church where he served as a Sunday school teacher. Keith spent hours daily studying the Bible and furthering his biblical knowledge. He enjoyed Georgia football and fishing. Keith was never one to stay idle, and was an excellent handyman – fixing whatever needed fixing. 

Keith’s untimely and unexpected death has created a void that will never be filled; however, the family is grateful that he is in his Heavenly home and has been reunited with his parents, son John Patrick Thompson, and grandson Michael Patrick Cope. 

He leaves behind his wife, Sheila Carol Graham; children and their spouses: Gina and Bobby Cope of Suwanee and David and Vanessa Thompson of Greensboro; grandchildren who adored their Papa: Bradley, Garrett, and Olivia; and siblings: Donna Smith of Comer, Kevin and Judy Thompson of Warner Robins, and Kenny Thompson of Toccoa.

Keith will lie in state on Monday, February 10, from 8:30a.m. until 4:30p.m. and on Tuesday, February 11, from 8:30a.m. until the service hour for those wishing to pay their respects and sign the guestbook.

Keith’s life will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 11, at 3:00p.m. in the Memorial Chapel of Berry Funeral Home. Officiating will be the Rev. Billy Meeks, and the U.S. Navy will render military honors. Burial will be in the Carlton Cemetery. 

There will be no formal visitation; however, the family is accepting visitors at the residence and will greet friends immediately following the service at the funeral home. 

Flowers are accepted, and if desired, donations may be made in his memory to Goss Baptist Church, 1606 Woodyard Road, Elberton, GA 30635. 

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com. 

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mr. William ‘Keith’ Thompson.