Jerry David Thompson, 78, husband of Reba Loretta (Lucas) Thompson, passed away on March 10, 2023 at the Augusta Health Shenandoah House in Fishersville.
He was born on October 18, 1944 in Franklin, WV, a son of the late Jesse Preston, Sr. and Lena Mae (Rader) Thompson.
Jerry was a member of the Staunton Eagles and the Staunton Moose Lodge where he served in multiple positions including past governor. He also received the great honor of the Pilgrim Degree. He was also a member of Saint James United Methodist Church in Churchville, VA.
Jerry graduated from Shepherd College in 1966 with a degree in Education and later received his Masters Degree in counseling from Madison College. He began his teaching career at Franklin High School, then transferred to Buffalo Gap High School where he taught government. Jerry became the guidance counselor at Wilson Memorial High School and later, S. Gordon Stewart Middle School, where he retired with over thirty years of service in education. He was also involved in officiating various sporting events for forty-two years.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Joe Thompson (Chrissy) of Staunton, Tonya Garber (Scott) of Staunton, and Heather Golladay (RJ) of Stuarts Draft; his step-son, Randy Brooks (Barbara) of Staunton; and his grandchildren, Zachary Thompson, Carter Thompson, Christian and Kobe Santiago, Eston Garber, and Rielly Golladay; a great-grandchild, Tucker Blake Martin; and his special cat companion, Toby.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his three brothers, Jesse Preston Thompson, Jr., Robert Lee” Sonny” Thompson, and Charles “Peanut” Thompson; his sister, Bonnie Brant; and his step-daughter, Debbie Brooks Moore.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Henry Funeral Home.
A funeral service will be conducted on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 10:00 AM in the Henry Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverend Russell Heinrich officiating. Interment will follow at Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton.
Pallbearers will be Zachary Thompson, Christian Santiago, Kobe Santiago, Eston Garber, David Armstrong, Steve Brant, Jim Brant, Craig Thompson, Wayne “Slim” Hite, Eddie Blackwell, Jim Thorne, and Joe Bowman.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Augusta Health Shenandoah House, 111 N Campus Dr, Fishersville, VA 22939, or to a charity of your choice.
The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and skilled nursing unit at Augusta Health for their help during this time. A special thanks to Dr. Heck and the nurses at Augusta Health Shenandoah House for all their care during the last week.