Big Stone Gap, VA – Willard Harold Thompson, 84, passed away on Monday, August 24, 2026, at Holston Valley Medical Center, Kingsport, TN. Born in Blackwater, VA, he lived most of his life in Big Stone Gap. He was in the first graduating class at Powell Valley High School, where he was a member of the basketball team. He proudly served in the U.S. Army, achieving rank of Sergeant and was a drill instructor at Fort Hood, TX. “Stoney” as he was affectionately known, worked in a few different fields following his army commitment. Ultimately, he began a career as a coal miner with Westmoreland Coal Co. and was a member of the U.M.W.A.
He was a loving father, son, brother, grandfather and friend to many. He enjoyed pitching horseshoes at Bullitt Park, back in the day. He was a Christian.
He was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Mary Ellen (Bates) Thompson; parents, Jess and Vonnie Vertie (Goins) Thompson and siblings, Oscar Thompson, Reva Bledsoe, Ray Thompson and Barbara Clark.
He is survived by his children, Rebecca Ellison (Clayton) of Newport, TN and Wesley Thompson (Annie-Pier) of Big Stone Gap, VA; brother, Jimmy Thompson of Big Stone Gap, VA; grandchildren, Jessica Wines (Brandon), Jonathan Bowman (Destiny) and Jacob Sunny Thompson; great-grandchildren, Tyler Wines and Lacey Bell Bowman and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 11:00am-1:00pm at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap. A UMWA Service by the Subdistrict Chaplain Corp. will begin at 1:00pm. The funeral service will follow with Rev. Tom Williams officiating.
Military rites will be accorded by the Virginia National Guard Honors Team and Local VFW & DAV Posts at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens, 5560 Powell Valley Road, Big Stone Gap, VA following the funeral service. Family members will serve as pallbearers.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Willard Thompson.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.