Edward James Thompson

Edward James Thompson, 79, fell asleep in death Wednesday afternoon, October 12, 2016, at Central Continuing Care. Mr. Thompson was born June 20, 1937, in Sylacauga, AL, to the late Article and Willie Pearl Griffin Thompson. A congregation elder and full-time minister with the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, he was a retiree of Consumer’s Energy and a Vietnam veteran. He is survived by his wife, Valinda Donnell McCloud Thompson; three daughters, two sons-in-law, and a son, Andrea and Donald Richardson of El Paso, TX, Ursula Jones of Atlanta, GA, Marshay and Christopher Williams of Port St. Lucie, FL, and Terrell Collins of Sterling Heights, MI; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Gwendolyn Turner of Silver Springs, MD, and Kathy Gant of Texas. In addition to his parents, Mr. Thompson was preceded in death by a grandson, Walter Terry. A memorial service will be held Sunday, October 16, 2016, at 7:00 PM at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses (JW.org), with speaker Richard Zamani. Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family.

In Loving Memory of Edward James Thompson June 20, 1937 (Sylacauga, AL) – October 12, 2016 (Mt. Airy, NC) Sunday, October 16, 2016 Private Family Hour 4:30PM – Moody Funeral Services Memorial Service 7:00PM – Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1000 Fowler Road Mt. Airy, NC 27030-2754 JW.org OBITUARY Edward (“Ed” or, to his great-grands, grands, and children, “Paw-Paw”) James Thompson, 79, fell asleep in death Wednesday afternoon, October 12, 2016, at Central Continuing Care in Mt. Airy, NC. Mr. Thompson was born June 20, 1937, in Sylacauga, AL, to the late Article and Willie Pearl Griffin Thompson. A congregation elder and full-time minister with the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, he symbolized his dedication to Jehovah on September 24, 1972 in Cheboygan, MI. He was a retiree of Consumer’s Energy and a Vietnam Veteran. He is survived by his wife, Valinda Donnell McCloud Thompson; three daughters, two sons-in-law, and a son: Andrea and Donald Richardson of El Paso, TX; Ursula Jones of Atlanta, GA; Marshay and Christopher Williams of Port St. Lucie, FL; and Terrell Collins of Sterling Heights, MI; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a sister Gwendolyn Turner of Silver Springs, MD. In addition to his parents, Mr. Thompson was preceded in death by a grandson, Walter Terry.

PROGRAM

6:30PM – Visitation and Video Presentation

7:00PM – Memorial Discourse, Richard Zamani

Song 139 – See Yourself When All Is New from “Sing Out Joyfully to Jehovah”

Closing Prayer

Ed’s loving father, Article Thompson, aunts and uncles cared for him after his mother died when he was an infant. He developed amazing cooking skills. As a child, he loved spending the times fishing with his father. And he had special love for his younger sister, Kathy Gant, of Texas. He adored and loved his wife, Sandra Elaine, the mother of Andrea and Ursula, until her death in 1996. They were married for over 35 years, faithfully serving Jehovah and teaching their girls to do the same. Many good times spent in a camper as the family traveled to spiritual conventions. And he was a wonderful, husband, father, grandfather, and greatgrandfather. He often spoke of making “Swedish pancakes” for his grandchildren which they enthusiastically enjoyed. He has a host of spiritual family members and loving neighbors, that he dearly loved. Again and again he proved his love for Jehovah.

Ed is fondly remembered for his devotion to his ministry as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and to his family. Though he was serious and softspoken at times, he was no stranger to “cutting a rug” on a dance floor or in the kitchen. He enjoyed spending time with his physical and spiritual family at local meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses and International conventions. He will be dearly missed by his family.

Despite the pang of loss, we all hold the firm hope of seeing him again, restored to his full health in a paradise – right here on earth! As Acts 24:15 says, “there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.” Some find this difficult to believe. Where this is true, Jeremiah 32:27 provides assurance by asking the rhetorical question, “Is anything too extraordinary for Jehovah?”

Jesus said: “With men it is impossible but not so with God, for all things are possible with God.” − Mark 10:27

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The family of the late Edward James Thompson extends heartfelt gratitude to the many friends and colleagues who have provided support and encouragement during this difficult time. Your prayers, encouraging visits, messages of comfort and hope, tributes, delicious meals, delectable desserts and hugs have made it possible for us to carry on. Convinced the “comfort from the scriptures [provides] hope,” while visiting his friends and neighbors, Ed would share the bible’s encouraging message. This was especially true if they recently experienced the loss of a loved one. – Romans 15:4 Perhaps you personally benefited from one of these visits. If he had his Galaxy tablet in-hand, you probably viewed the 3-minute video entitled, The Resurrection – Soon A Reality, with him. Whether or not you had this experience, please take a moment to view the video using the QR Code below. This is one of the many ways our Great God Jehovah assures us we WILL see Ed again, and soon. WHEN this happens – and knowing Ed – make sure your dancing shoes are nearby! “Do not be amazed . . . those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out . . .” – John 5:28, 29 “. . . you will call, and I will answer you.” – Job 14:13-15

Memorial Service