Lester Bryant Thompson

ROCKY MOUNT - Lester Bryant Thompson, beloved husband and adored father, went to be with his Savior Jesus Christ on January 15, 2011 as he was surrounded by family. A service to honor his memory and legacy will be held at Wheeler Woodlief Funeral Home in Rocky Mount, NC on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at 2:00pm with the Reverend Bettie Kirkpatrick officiating. Interment with military honors will follow the service at Forest Hill Cemetery in Nashville, NC. Visitation will be held Monday, January 17, 2011 at 5:30pm to 8:00pm. Born in Rocky Mount, NC on April 26, 1926, Lester lived most of his life in Edgecombe and Nash County. Lester was predeceased by his parents, John James and Elizabeth Fly Thompson; a daughter, Dena Beth Thompson; a sister, Rachel Dixie Thompson Batchelor; brothers, Robert Harvey Thompson, Willie Thompson, Lloyd Thompson, Frank Winters and David Earl Thompson. Surviving to honor his memory are the love of his life, his wife of 62 years, Mildred Nobles Thompson; 3 children, Brenda Claire Thompson, Paula Thompson Harrelson and husband, Ryland Harrelson of Columbus, GA., Keith Bryant Thompson and wife Sandra Thompson of Kinston, NC; 4 grandchildren, Bryan Lee Harrelson and wife, Jenni, of Alexandria, VA., Leslie Claire Harrelson of Richmond, VA., Jamie Lee Thompson and Laura Keith Thompson of Kinston, NC; brother, Floyd Cary Thompson and wife, Audrey of Rocky Mount, NC; sister, Brenda T. House; numerous nieces and nephews. Lester was a member of Bethlehem Presbyterian Church of Rocky Mount. He was a member of the American Legion Post 58 for over 61 years and also a member of The VFW of Rocky Mount. As a WWII veteran, he served his country proudly in the Signal Corps of the 88th Infantry Division of the United States Army. Following WWII, Lester returned to North Carolina where he was the owner/operator of Thompson Heating and Air Conditioning Co. for over 56 years. With his wife assisting him, he spent his life serving his community and his fellow man through his business with a stellar work ethic. Lester was always dedicated to the American ideals which make this country so strong. He maintained that small businesses were the backbone of our great country and he believed that honesty and trustworthiness were his most important assets. Hallmarks of his character were his kindness and generosity, his willingness to help others and his genuine concern for his fellow man. He possessed an extraordinary compassion for those who were less fortunate. With his cheerful attitude and unfailing optimism, he saw the good in everyone. He was forever performing acts of kindness but never asking for recognition or anything in return. He loved his interaction with people everywhere and always proved to be a good listener (he had the gift of gab as well). His light-hearted sense of humor was ever present until his death. Throughout his life and especially his illness, he never complained about anything but always responded "I'm fine". Lester's passion was his family and World War II. When asked what he wanted for gifts, he always replied, "I have everything I need right here with my family". His life will serve as a shining example to all of us because he lived his values by example with his quiet strength and perseverance. Those who knew Lester will forever be inspired by what is truly beautiful in human life. This genuine goodness was the legacy he has given to all those who knew and loved him. The Thompson family is enriched beyond words with the honor of loving him as our cherished patriarch. Our family would like to thank the staff of Hospice of Nash General for the loving care and support they provided during Lester's illness. Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made in Lester's name to: Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, 1460 Bethlehem Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27803 or The American Legion Post 58, P. O. Box 4278, Rocky Mount, NC 27803-0278 or Hospice of Nash General, 2460 Curtis Ellis Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, NC. You may share your memories and send condolences to the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Monday 1/17, 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm Service Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home 1130 N. Winstead Avenue Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Tuesday 1/18, 2:00 pm Cemetery Forest Hill Cemetery 350 North 1st Street, Ext. Nashville, NC 27856