Jack E. Thompson: Obituary

Jack E. Thompson, age 84, of Murphy, NC passed away Wednesday September 9, 2015 at Murphy Medical Center.

He was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, NC and the son of the late Jewell Wolfford and Verna Lee Cook Thompson. He attended Murphy Elementary School, Murphy High School, Young Harris College and Western Carolina University. Jack was a US Army Veteran serving in the Korean War and was a recipient of the Purple Heart. He had retired from the US Forest Service after 30 years of service. Jack was the Cherokee County Sheriff for 12 years from 1986 until 1998. One of his great accomplishments was coaching Little League Baseball teams; one being the Texana Softball Team and Murphy High School Baseball Team. He was an avid gardener and loved playing with his bulldozer. Jack was a member of the American Legion Post #96.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law’s, Andrew J. Gaddis and Emmett Gibson Gaddis.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Ann Gaddis Thompson; one son, Emmett and wife Linda of Murphy; two brothers, David Thompson and wife Avis and Bill Thompson and wife Pat all of Murphy; one granddaughter, Wendy Ward and husband Adam; great grandchildren, Addyson and McKenna; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at 1 PM, Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Rev. Timothy Huff, Dr. Eddis Dockery and Rev. Donald Cook will officiate. Music will be provided by Donna Cook and Kelsey Rose. Burial will be in the Thompson family cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the V.F.W. Post #10222, Joe Miller Elkin American Legion Post #96 and D.A.V. Chapter #73 and American Legion Post #532 of Hayesville and V.F.W. Post #6812 Hayesville. Pallbearers will be David (Bud) Thompson, Bill Hughes, Ted Hughes, Roy Dickey, Tom Frye, Sheriff Derrick Palmer and Trevor Thompson. Honorary pallbearers will be Donald Cook, Mark Thigpen and John Avery.

The family will receive friends from 5:30-8:00 PM, Friday, September 11, 2015 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.

You may send tributes to the Thompson family at www.townson-rose.com

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.