Albert Ray Thompson, Sr.

Albert Ray Thompson passed away on Friday April 6, 2012.

Known as “Ray,” Mr. Thompson was born in Whiteville, NC on July 23, 1929, and was the son of Ernest Allen Thompson and Inez Wray Thompson also of Whiteville. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ernest Allen Thompson, sister Dorothy Hyatt and his daughter-in- law Cristy Ormsby Thompson.

Mr. Thompson is survived by his wife of over 30 years, Wilma Welch Thompson, and his children: son Albert Ray Thompson Jr. (Tommie) and wife Barbara of Raleigh and grandchildren Leslie Thompson, Patrick Bollinger, Alana Thompson, Jefferson Thompson, and Amanda Thompson; daughter Lynette Thompson Farmer and husband Clyde Keith Farmer of Wilmington and grandchildren Kendrick Farmer and Johanna Farmer; son Barry Hardie Thompson Sr and wife Bunny of Wilmington and grandchildren Barry Hardie Thompson Jr, Ryan Thompson, Marcus Gaillard, and Lauren Lanier; and daughter Gina Thompson Colby and husband Mark Kenneth Colby of Leland and grandchildren Jennifer Colby Nash and Brian Colby. Also he is survived by his brother Boyd Thompson and wife Margaret Thompson of Whiteville and his step daughters Laurie Fishero and husband Vinnie Carrella of Georgia, and grandson Sean Wood; and Karen Fishero of Wilmington and granddaughters Danielle Nichols, Tiffany Nichols, and Nina Nichols. In addition, he had many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews whom he adored.

Mr. Thompson made Wilmington his home in 1966 when he started working on the construction of New Hanover Memorial Hospital as a welder. After holding several jobs, including working at the old Wilmington Iron Works, he retired from Pak-Tank Atlantic. He enjoyed spending time with his family and traveling and camping across the country, which gave him lots of material for the stories he loved to tell. He was quite the story-teller and would often meet his friends for an early breakfast at Hardees where he would share his experiences. He also very much enjoyed a good yard sale or flea market.
When he first arrived to Wilmington, Mr. Thompson lived in the Greenfield Lake area and was an active member of Lake Forest Baptist Church. He and his wife Wilma later moved to Rocky Point where they were active members of Rocky Point Baptist Church. He served as a deacon and outreach member, along with other duties. In his later years he attended Olivet Baptist Church until his health kept him from doing so, much to his regret.

A memorial service will be held 11 AM Monday April 9, 2012 at Wilmington Funeral Chapel. Reverend Tony Ripley will officiate the service. The family will receive visitors before and after the memorial service.

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Wilmington Funeral and Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington,NC 28403 910.791.9099