EDWARD THOMPSON

Edward Thompson, 81, departed this life peacefully on Sunday, April 23, 2017 after a lengthy illness. Edward, a native of Donalsonville, Georgia, at the age of 17, joined the United States Air Force. A decorated veteran of the Vietnam War, Edward retired after 23 years of service to this great country that he loved so much. Meeting his beautiful bride, Darlene, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, they traveled the world together eventually settling in Shreveport, Louisiana, then returning to Donalsonville, Georgia in retirement and finally moving to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida to be closer to his son, his son’s wife and their children. Edward was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of 58 years, Darlene Ritchie Thompson of Cheyenne, WY, mother Cleo Anglin Thompson and father Rufus Thompson, both of Donalsonville, Georgia, his mother-in-law Lila Dolman Ritchie, father-in-law William Ritchie, and brother-in-law Billy Ritchie, all of Cheyenne, WY and sister-in-law Judy Ritchie of Denver, CO. Those left to cherish Edward’s remarkable life are his daughter and her husband, Sherry and Laurence Amberson, and son and his wife Danny and Michele Thompson. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Dick Ritchie and sister-in-law, Doris Lee Ritchie. Grandchildren, Danielle and Jason Stavropoulos, Brian Thompson and Erika Thompson and great grandchildren, Haley and Stella Stavropoulos. His brothers and sisters Aaron and Theresa Thompson, Wallace and Linda Thompson, Evelyn and Roy Lee, Tommy and Karen Thompson, Wayne and Marsha Thompson, Raymond and Wanda Thompson, Rex and Nancy Thompson, and Diane and Sol Dupriest also survive Edward as do nieces, nephews, great –nieces and great-nephews too numerous to mention. Edward never met a stranger and loved being active with his family, friends and in his church. Edward was an avid gardener creating many beautiful landscapes over his lifetime. He could repair just about anything whether mechanical or electrical, wood or steel. He loved tinkering in his workshop and always had a project or two in full swing. Riding the Bobcat around the property and through the woods with his trusty companion, Brindle, at his side was a daily event they enjoyed together. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation at Trinity United Methodist Church, 5996 Hebrew Road, Donalsonville, Georgia on Saturday, April 29th beginning at 2:00 PM. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 PM.