Acclaimed purveyor of Meats and Cattle, entrepreneur, S.L. “Gene” Thompson died on Saturday, December 30, following a bout with pneumonia.

He was the owner and proprietor of Thompson Packers, Inc. in Slidell, La., as well as Rocking T Ranch in McNeill.

His death marks the demise of a legend in the Meat and Cattle Industries. Gene reflected a man of extraordinary strength, endowed with leadership skills, professional acumen and tireless commitment. Born December 9, 1925 in Hammond, La., the son of Glenn Ellis Thompson and Martha Bruce Thompson. One of three children — Brother Ellis, Sister Anette — Gene grew up in the environment decicated to the Lord, work and service.

After selling his Slaughter Plant and Meat Market, he continued with the Meat Plant and Cattle Ranch which are operating as of today.

Gene was the first President of Beefmaster Breeders Universal organization outside the State of Texas. He served in all capacities in the organzation and was on the Board. The award of “Breeder of the Year” was given to him in 1985.

A past president of the Louisiana Beef Week, Board Member of the Louisiana Department of Corrections, Boy Scout Supporter, Former Deacon of Mid City Baptist Church,, Leader in the Embryo Transfer Field, received his last award as “Cattleman of the Year” for Pearl River County in 2005. He was Kiwanis International honored, Young Men’s Business Club recognized, New Orleans District Livestock Show sponsor and promoter.

Survivors include his wife Mary Alice Cabibi Thompson; two sons, J.L. Gene Thompson (Diann) and Robert Wayne Thompson (Pamela); four grandchildren, Daryl (Dawn), Sharon (Mike), Karen (Todd), Steven (Kirby); twelve great-grandchildren: Brooke, Kathryn, Kyle, Klay, Colt, Cade, Paige, Ashlyn, Amelia, Britta, Regan and Jonathan.

He was preceded in death by a grandchild Michael Thompson.