The Thompson family gathered Sunday like it so often does. Children were running around. Good food was plentiful. But one person was missing — Michael Randall Thompson.
It is the exact same spot the family last saw their husband, uncle, brother and cousin. They came together this past Sunday to remember Thompson and pray.
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Cliff Williams / TPI Felicia Thompson, left, sister of Michael Thompson hugs Living Word of God Church Pastor Johnie Bickley as the Thompson family held a ballon release one year after Michael Thompson was last seen.
PHOTOS: Balloon release for Michael Thompson a year after reported missing
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Cliff Williams / TPI Family of Michael Thompson release balloons almost one year after he last seen.
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Cliff Williams / TPI Felicia Thompson, left, sister of Michael Thompson hugs Living Word of God Church Pastor Johnie Bickley as the Thompson family held a ballon release one year after Michael Thompson was last seen.
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Cliff Williams / TPI Family of Michael Thompson pass out balloons to be released from the homes his was last seen at Sunday.
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Cliff Williams / TPI Family of Michael Thompson pass out balloons to be released from the homes his was last seen at Sunday.
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Cliff Williams / TPI Family of Michael Thompson release balloons almost one year after he last seen.
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Cliff Williams / TPI Michael Thompson’s sister Felicia Thompson watches balloons float away in honor of herr brother Michael Thompson who was reported missing a year ago.
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Cliff Williams / TPI Some family members believe the trapped balloons are a sign Michal Thompson is still alive. He was reported missing a year ago.
“I want to encourage the family to keep your heads up,” Living Word of God Church Pastor Johnie Bickley said. “Wherever Michael is, God is. God is everywhere.”
Thompson, 61, left a family gathering at the Claud Fleahop Road home to go to his home in Tallassee a year ago. It was a Sunday. The next day the family noticed his truck wasn’t home but it wasn’t unusual for him to be around town picking up scrap metal. Tuesday came and still no one had seen Thompson. A missing persons report was filed with the Tallassee Police Department. Thompson’s cell phone and wallet were at his home.
“He doesn’t go anywhere without them,” sister Felicia Thompson said.
The family soon found blood at Michael’s home and his truck was found abandoned in a wooded area in Macon County between Franklin, Tuskegee and Tallassee. The area was searched by ground and air but Thompson was not found.
Tallassee police chief Todd Buce said his department is still investigating the case.
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“It is still an open case for us,” Buce said. “It’s difficult because there is little evidence to follow. We are still looking at phone records.”
The family shared a few memories of the last time they saw Michael Thompson. He was laughing and speaking with everyone. He was eating. One family member gave him some change as Michael didn’t have any small bills.
“We just want to find him,” Felicia said. “We're still looking.”
The family released balloons Sunday, which is something they did from his home last year. This time a couple got hung up in a tree. The family hopes it's a sign that Michael is still out there somewhere and this is his way of giving them a signal.
The family is still holding out hope to find Michael and reunite or get closure.
“He may be gone, but there is just that little thread he's still around,” Felicia said. “We just want him home either way.”