By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnist

The Thompson High School Class of 1964 celebrated its 50th reunion on Saturday, June 7, 2014, at Timberline Clubhouse in Calera. Linda Reach Moore, Judy Atkisson, Glenda Roper, Linda Massey and Louie Cates chaired the event after the sudden death of Angela Young Purser.

“Angela passed away suddenly on April 10, 2014,” said Moore. “She was our girl Friday and greatest cheerleader. She was our party planner, she stored our memorabilia and our class records – in short, Angela was our keeper.”

Classmates, friends and family came together for a day of fellowship and lunch. Memorabilia and memories were enjoyed as classmates reflected on their days at THS. The luncheon prayer was given by Jerry Carter. During the luncheon, every man who had served in the military received an American flag and shared their military experiences.

“It was a very moving time as some had experienced combat service during the Viet Nam war,” said Moore. “Each gave God credit for bringing them home safely.”

Friends Louie Cates and Billy Wayne Grubbs shared memories from their school years.

“We got a new stadium and all the boys got out of study hall and planted grass, sprig by sprig,” said Cates. “And it grew!”

“My favorite memory was when I went with my shop teacher Mr. Jimmy Bice and helped him pick out surplus desks for the school,” said Grubbs. “I helped him haul them back and he refinished them. He is on the Shelby County Board of Education now.”

The Student Government Associations officers for the Class of 1964 were: President Lindsay Barton, Vice President Allen Montgomery, Second Vice President Jo Ann Farris, Secretary Jeanne Minor, Treasurer David Arron, Parliamentarian Kathy Lacey and Chaplain Jackie Morton.

Senior class officers were the late Pete Atkission who married Vice President Judy Harris Atkisson who attended the reunion. Other senior class officers were Secretary Alice Jones and Treasurer Judy Gillen (deceased).

Classmates who graduated and died were remembered: Atkisson, Rusty Kendrick, Carol Barnett, William Brashier, Sarah Butler, Larry Clayton, Gillen, Roger Harris, W. C. Hoggle, Linda Lovelady, Jean Meeks, Mike Rutherford, Eugene Walters and Young.