Obituary for Grayson Thompson
New Year’s Day of 2023, Grayson Thompson, 93, of Fincastle, Virginia, passed peacefully into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, reuniting with the love of his life and wife of 68 years, Doris Dudley Thompson.
Born in Lunenburg County, Virginia on March 24, 1929, Grayson was predeceased by his wife, Doris; his mother, Ruby Walker Thompson; father, John Drewery Thompson; and his sister, Francis Thompson Chatman.
Left to cherish his memory is his sister-in-law, June Dudley; daughter, Sue Goodpasture and husband, Barry; his son, Randy Thompson and wife, Laurie; three grandchildren, Jessie Thompson Tippit (JD), Tyler Thompson (Tessa), and Haley Thompson; and one great-grandchild, Betsy Fay Tippit.
Baptized at age 11, Grayson was a long-time member of Oakland Baptist Church in Roanoke, Virginia. A 1947 graduate of William Fleming High School, he lived, worked and raised his family in the same neighborhood as he grew up.
He built his career of 38 years with the Norfolk Western (Norfolk Southern) Railroad, retiring in 1987 after a stellar career, rising from an entry-level clerk to a Systems Supervisor in the Railroad’s Computer Services Department. He had many interests and hobbies at various points in his life. He rode horses, competing in local shows, played competitive volleyball, was an avid runner, loved to fish and to play golf.
His biggest interest was his family. Grayson was a devoted husband and father, encouraging and supporting his children in all their activities, interests and sports throughout their early lives. He built a Christ-centered home, instilling and inspiring the same in his children. His faith and his influence carried forward to his grandchildren and his impact will affect generations to come.
His family would like to extend a very special thanks to his two caregivers, Barbara Starkey and Linda Meese. Their sacrifices and service to him allowed him to live the most fulfilling life possible in his own home up to his final days. We would also like to thank James Norris who always seemed to be there when we needed him.
Grayson Thompson will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him but his legacy and the footprint he leaves behind will continue to make a positive impact on us all.
The Funeral Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, January 6, 2023, at Oakey’s North Chapel. The family will receive friends following the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Association would be appreciated.
We will be live-streaming the service for those who cannot attend. Click on the link below to view the service.