ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½

Marcus Thompson, Ryan Thompson, Lance Reid, Trey Reid, David Gaines, David Hernandez, Chad Shoulders and Kyle Shoulders served as pallbearers.

Tate Thompson, Riggs Thompson, Ray Goad, Jack Carver, Randy Keene, Vin Cline, Ricky Russel, Gene Patterson, Moody Gregory and Jerry Wilmore served as honorary pallbearers.

Paul was born May 4, 1957, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to James Wesley and Velma Dallas Thompson and departed this life July 4, 2025, at the age of 68 years and 2 months.

At the young age of three, his family returned to Macon County, Tennessee — a place that would become not only his home, but the heart of the legacy he would go on to build. Paul grew up with strong values, a deep sense of community and a passion for life that was evident from an early age.

At Macon County High School, Paul made his mark — not just in the classroom, but on the football field. As the star quarterback on one of the winningest teams the county has ever seen, he wasn’t just a standout athlete — he was a dedicated teammate, a natural leader and someone others could always count on. That same spirit of dedication and teamwork would define his life.

After high school, Paul pursued his love of science and learning, earning a bachelor’s degree in microbiology from Tennessee Tech University. Around this time Paul would find the love of his life Dawn. They married May 2, 1986, and together they built a life filled with warmth, laughter and devotion. Their love was deep and genuine — a true partnership in every sense.

Paul and Dawn’s greatest joys came in the form of their sons, Marcus and Ryan. To them, Paul wasn’t just a father — he was a teacher, a coach, a steady hand, and a constant source of love and wisdom. He was incredibly proud of the men they became and nothing lit him up more than watching them grow their families and thrive. His grandsons, Tate and Riggs, brought him immense happiness — and his face would light up just at the mention of their names.

Professionally, Paul was a man of principle, drive and integrity. From his early days in medical sales with Miller Medical Group and Becton Dickinson, to his extraordinary three-decade career beginning in marketing and later as CEO of Tri County Electric, he became the longest serving CEO in the company’s history. At the time of his retirement March 14, 2025, he was the longest serving active CEO in the state of Tennessee. Paul always led with purpose. He didn’t just hold a position he made a difference. His work brought real, lasting impact — none more meaningful than his role in expanding broadband, internet and phone services to underserved communities.

His vision and determination helped change lives, and his leadership was recognized by state officials with a unanimous resolution passed in his honor in 2025. That legacy will live on for generations. But beyond titles and accomplishments, Paul was, at his core, a family man.

He found joy in the simple things — Sunday dinners, conversations around the table, time at the farm tending to his cows, polishing up his land or watching a good football game. He loved NASCAR, muscle cars and a good chat with an old friend. He was genuine, grounded and generous with his time and heart.

Paul was preceded in death by his loving parents; his father-in-law, Doyle Gaines; and his brother-in-law, Ronnie Reid.

But his memory and spirit live on in his devoted wife. Dawn; his sons, Marcus and Ryan, and their wives Kailyn and Savannah; his grandsons, Tate and Riggs; his beloved sisters; extended family; and in every life he touched as a friend, colleague and neighbor.

In his 68 years, Paul gave this world so much — through love, leadership and loyalty. Paul was a member of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church. And while his passing leaves an unfillable space in our hearts, we take comfort in knowing that his soul was saved by the Lord’s grace and his life was full — full of purpose, love and meaning.

We will miss his steady presence, his thoughtful words and his kind heart. But we will carry forward his example — to love our families deeply, to serve our communities faithfully, and to live with the same strength, compassion and character that Paul showed every single day!

Survivors include his wife, Dawn Gaines Thompson; sons, Marcus Thompson and wife, Kailyn and Ryan Thompson and wife, Savannah; grandsons, Tate and Riggs Thompson; sisters, Dorthy Shoulders and husband Jerry, Betty Claiborne and husband, Glenn; mother-in-law, Shirley Gaines; brother-in-law, David Gaines and wife, Kathy; sisters-in-law, Dale Reid, Diana Hernandez and husband, David; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Anderson and Son Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements, 615-666-4011.