Paul Allen Thompson

Reynolds Funeral Home announces with deepest sympathy the passing of Mr. Paul Thompson, 87, of Somerville, Al. Mr. Thompson transitioned January 10, 2026 at his residence. 

Paul Allen Thompson passed away on January 10, 2026, in Somerville, Alabama, at the age of 87. 

Born on August 2, 1938, in Santa Monica, California, Paul led a life marked by intellectual rigor, professional achievement, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.

Paul was raised in Southern California where he was active in both the Boy Scouts and football. He went on to play football at the University of California at Santa Barbara, while pursuing his higher education.

Paul’s academic journey was distinguished by an unwavering commitment to curiosity and excellence. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from the University of California, Los Angeles, followed by a Master of Science in Engineering from the same institution. His quest for knowledge endured with his doctoral coursework in Astrodynamics at UCLA, and later in Control Systems Engineering at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Professionally, Paul dedicated his career to aerospace engineering and mathematics, contributing to space and missile programs that shaped modern technological advancements. Paul worked as a consultant to NASA, the United States Navy, as well as the US Air Force, the German Air Force, and the Japanese Space Agency.

In addition to his profession, Paul served in the Peace Corps, teaching mathematics in Central Africa—an embodiment of his desire to use his myriad skills for the greater good, and to positively engage with communities beyond his own.

Paul’s personal interests were as expansive as his professional pursuits. He was an avid ham radio operator and held an intense passion for computer programming, receiving a patent for one of his system designs. He also shared a profound love for animals and nature, which brought him comfort and inspiration throughout his life. Due to his deep affection for nature, he spent many years living in his beloved woods on Putnam Mountain, in rural North Alabama. 

Over the course of his life, Paul remained a deeply devoted son to his cherished mother, ‘Grammy’. 

He is survived by his daughters Deborah Crews (David) and Lorelei Cissell (Jim). The grandchildren Christopher Crews, Joshua Crews, Lauren Bongo, Meghan Ortel, Marvin Allen Cash, and Samantha Gray. Preceded in Paul’s death were his parents, Paul and Maude Reinoel Thompson, and his daughter, Rebecca Kinser. Paul legacy continues with many great-grandchildren. 

Paul Allen Thompson leaves behind a heritage of impressive intellectual achievement, generous service to others, and respectful reverence for the world around him. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers kindly consider a donation to the Greater Huntsville Humane Society.  A graveside service will be held on January 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at Bethel Cemetery (Putnam Mountain), Princeton, Alabama. 

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