Eric Ray Thompson

Eric Ray Thompson, 32, passed away on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 due to injuries received in a motorcycle accident while returning home from work.

Eric was born in Herrin on December 2, 1988 to Larry and Barbara “Barb” (Cutrell) Thompson.

Eric never married, but found his true love, Haley Williams, on October 21st, 2012, with whom he was engaged to be married to, and shared three beautiful daughters Emersyn, Avery, and Camryn.

Eric was an avid fisherman, which ran in his family. He enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, and doing wood projects for his family and friends. Eric was an astonishing and decorated athlete. He was a multiple-time USATF National Champion. A multiple-time State of Illinois Champion, and holds many records, including sharing the HHS High Jump Record. Eric was also inducted into the Herrin High School Hall of Fame in 2013.

Eric was an incredible father to his life's most cherished accomplishments, his children. Eric was an amazing friend to many, brother, son, uncle, and he possessed a heart of gold. Eric did not settle for second or anything done with half-effort. Even in the coal mines, Eric wanted to be the best roof bolter anyone had ever seen and many claim he was. He wanted everyone to be safe and taken care of. Eric was a protector. He will be greatly missed by all of his loved ones.

Survivors include his fiancé- Haley Williams of Equality

Their three daughters- Emersyn Ray Thompson of Equality

     Avery Elise Thompson of Equality

     Camryn Drew Thompson of Equality

Parents- Larry & Barb Thompson of Herrin

Two Brothers- Scott and Erin Thompson of Marion

     Ryan and Natalie Thompson of Energy

Grandmother- Elena Thompson of Herrin

Future sister-in-law- Kelsey and Justin Allen of Harrisburg and their children-   

     Carson and Peyton

Future father-in-law and mother-in-law- Britt and Amy Williams of Equality

Six nieces and nephews- Eowyn, Aaron, Dylan, and Maverick Thompson

     Christian and Brayden Burgrabe

Aunts and uncles- Sharnin and Jerry Mabry of Herrin

     Samantha and Kevin Smith of Johnston City

     Jimmy and Lynda Thompson of Herrin

     Eddie and Bev Thompson of Zeigler

     Michael Thompson of Herrin

     Stacy Cutrell of Herrin

Several cousins

He was preceded in death by his great grandma Laura Thompson, grandpa Bob Thompson, grandma Betty Cutrell, and grandpa Leroy Deckard.

Funeral services will be held at 1pm on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home (201 S. 13th Street; Herrin, IL 62948) with Mr. Ted Heibner and Mr. Jerry Williams officiating. Burial will follow at Herrin City Cemetery. A time of visitation will be held from 4-8pm on Monday, August 30, 2021 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin.

For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to a scholarship fund that will be established for his daughters (please make in care of Haley Williams). Envelopes will be available and accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home; 201 S. 13th Street; Herrin, IL 62948.  For those who prefer to donate online to the family, please visit https://gofund.me/b9055043

For more information, or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com