Obituary of John J. Thompson

MARION, Va.

JOHN J. THOMPSON, age 88, died Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at Smyth County Community Hospital, Marion, Va.

He was born August 15, 1929 in Smyth County, Va. to the late Kermit and Lucille Thomas Thompson. Following an 8th grade education, John entered and served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. After his military service, he obtained sheet metal training in Abingdon, Va. with assistance from the G.I. Bill. Following his training, he and Sue would eventually move to Baltimore, Md., where he became foreman with Heer Brothers Mechanical Contractors. He would retire after 30 years of faithful service. John also was well known and respected as an adult education teacher in the evenings. Thanks to his dedication, a lot of young men in the sheet metal industry and the classes he taught became productive and respectful citizens. After returning back home to Marion, Va. he became an active member of the Francis Marion VFW Post #4667 where he assisted in numerous programs. He also was a former member with several years of service in the Marion Civitan Club. Above all, he was a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to all. John was a people person who loved helping others and will certainly be missed.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Linda Thompson Gebelein; the grandmother who raised him, Josephine "Maw" Thompson; brother, Roger Thompson; half-brothers, Denny Thompson and Frank Thompson; and a daughter-in-law, Sarah Thompson.

John is survived by his wife of 64 years, Betty Sue Thompson of Marion, Va.; son, John Kent Thompson and girlfriend, Barbara SannBoeuf of Baltimore, Md.; son-in-law, Wayne Gebelein of Huntersville, N.C.; half-sister, Mary Ann Bishop of Fredericksburg, Va.; half-brother, Marvin Thompson of Marion, Va.; grandchildren, Michael Gebelein and wife, Shana, and Rachel Mulock and husband, Geoffrey; sisters-in-law, Thelma Foglesong and Jodi Powell; two great-grandsons, Conner and Jacob; numerous nieces and nephews; and many, many friends.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 27, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel with the Reverend Emmitt Wilson officiating. A reception will be held following the service at the funeral home. Burial will be held Sunday, January 28, 2018 at 1 p.m. in Sharon Lutheran Church Cemetery, Ceres, Va. where Military Rites will be conducted by Francis Marion VFW Post #4667. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 p.m. Saturday, at Seaver-Brown Chapel.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family by visiting www.seaverbrown.com, or at the Thompson residence. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is honored to serve the family of John J. Thompson.