Samuel S. Thompson, Jr., of Tifton passed away after a long illness on Friday, April 22, 2022 with his daughter by his side.
Sam was born in Monroe, LA on November 25, 1936 to the late Samuel S. and Minnie Gossett Thompson. He graduated from Louisiana Tech, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and Purdue University where he received his PhD in Plant Pathology. In 1962 he accepted a position in Tifton with the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service as an Extension Plant Pathologist. He specialized in peanut diseases.
He married Coleta Loper in 1963. They made their home in Tifton until 1995, then retired and moved to Rebecca, GA. He was predeceased by his wife Coleta, his daughter Sharon Thompson Lord, and a brother, Hugh Thompson of Monroe, LA. He is survived by daughter, Belinda (Michael) Orzada of Newark, DE and son, Theron (Amber) Thompson of Villa Rica; sister, Virginia Hoff of Garland, TX; six grandchildren, Christin (Clint) Holley, Cory Lord, and Rachel (Ron) Elizondo, all of Tifton, Emily Orzada of Bristol CT, Kevin Orzada of Newark DE, and Madeline Thompson of Villa Rica; and four great-grandchildren, Easton Holley, Avery Holley, Sawyer Thompson Lord, and Elizabeth Elizondo.
Mr. Thompson was an avid volunteer. He was a scout leader for Boy Scouts of America for many years, leading scouts on many trips including to Philmont Scout Ranch, the Northern Tier High Adventure, and the National Jamboree; in addition, he was a member of the Order of the Arrow. He also served in leadership positions with the Tifton Sertoma Club, Tift County Recreation Board, and the American Softball Association. He also served on the Rebecca City Council. He was a member of Rebecca Methodist Church and had served as the church treasurer.
A memorial service will be held at Perry Funeral Chapel at 11:30 AM Tuesday, April 26, 2022. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Parkinson Disease Association.