Gary Alston Thompson, Sr., 74, of Franklin passed away on Dec. 23, 2024, at INOVA Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, Virginia, surrounded by his family.
He was born Dec. 14, 1950, in Petersburg to the late Alston Hansel Thompson and Teretha Virginia (Warner) Thompson.
Mr. Thompson graduated from Franklin High School in 1968. After high school, he went to Potomac State College, and later moved to Maryland to begin life in the workforce.
He worked at Sew Vac. and Solon Automated Services and retired from General Electric.
In 2012, he retired and spent his time laughing by his wife’s side. He enjoyed playing horseshoes, hunting, fishing, and family parties in the garage that he happened to have built.
In 1980, he met Janie (Lagana) Thompson, later marrying on Aug. 23, 1982.
The couple went on to share four children, Jeromy Thompson (Lisa) of Upper Tract, Stanley (Teddy) Kaminski, Jr. and Gary Alston Thompson, Jr., both of California, Maryland, and Stephan Kaminski (Kelly) of Mechanicsville, Maryland, all surviving.
He is also survived by a sister, Mary Radcliffe of Dayton, Virginia; a brother, Harry (Linda) Vandevander of McGaheysville, Virginia; 12 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and three bonus grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by a son, Patrick Keith Thompson.
He was a person with an extensive caring heart and the warmest bear-like hugs. He will be deeply missed by his fur babies, Baby, Domino, Marmalade, his most recent save, Chloe, and the 25+ outside cats and kittens. May he rest in peace alongside his parents, Patches and past family and friends.
A funeral service was held Sunday in the chapel of the Kimble Funeral Home in Franklin with Pastor Steve Teter officiating.
The family kindly requests donations be made to PAWS (an animal shelter in his hometown), PO Box 804, Franklin, West Virginia 26807.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.kimblefuneralhome.com.
