Representative William E. Thigpen Sr. is originally from Greenville, AL. Representative Thigpen has a B.S. Degree from Troy University, where he attended on a basketball scholarship. He moved to Fayette, AL in 1969 and has been a business man there for 36 years. In Fayetteville, he is responsible for creating a number of jobs and has always been involved in civic activities. Mr. Thigpen was Man of the Year for Fayette in 1995.

Representative Thigpen joined the Alabama Army National Guard in 1958, retiring as a Major, with 28 years of service. He served as commander of the Fayette Unit for seven years. Major Thigpen is a strong supporter of the National Guard and all Military Services.

Representative Thigpen is serving his second term as State Representative of Alabama. His district includes all of Fayette and Lamar County, and part of Tuscaloosa and Pickens County. His main goal now is trying to recruit jobs and represent his district in Montgomery. Representative Thigpen is also a strong supporter of education, senior citizens and votes on issues that provide benefits for the members of his district.

Representative Thigpen has been married 43 years to Betty Whitstine Thigpen, who is vice-president of the Alabama Legislative Club (Spouses of Legislatures). They have three chidren and five grand children.

Representative Thigpen serves on the Banking and Insurance Committee, the Judiciary Committee, the Tuscaloosa Legislative Committee and the Energy Council of Alabama. Representative Thigpen was elected to serve on the Public Examiners Oversight Committee by the members of the House of Representatives.