P. Frank Thompson

Paul Franklin Thompson, Sr., born 1/26/36, passed away Monday morning April 30, 2018.

Frank Thompson was the 6th child of Roy and Clara Thompson. He is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Bill, Lacy, Mary Lee, Leroy and Archie.

Service of celebration will be held Wednesday, May 2nd at 2:00 at First Baptist Church, Sanford, NC. 

Frank was a natural athlete excelling in football and baseball in high school and then becoming a team leader on the Wake Forest College football team 1955-58. He was co-captain and was voted MVP in 1958.

He went on to coach football at Bladenboro and Massey Hill high school and girls’ basketball in Bladenboro.

He never met a stranger. This worked to his advantage in his careers in human resources at Bladenboro Cotton Mills and sales with Harris Crane Commodities Charlotte, NC. He made many friends along the way.

One of his greatest legacies was his work with young men through sports, scouts and church. He had a special interest in those who had lost their fathers. He instilled in them the same values of education and hard work that he instilled in his children.

He gave the best hugs and had the greatest laugh. He was always willing to help a neighbor.

He was a long-time member of Sanford First Baptist Church where he was a deacon, coached church basketball and played/coached church softball. He served on the Lee County School Board and on the Agricultural Committee.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Betty, his Children Frank Jr, (Vicki) of Sanford, Laura Pittman (Keith) of Wilson and Kristi Parker (Jon) of Gibsonville. Grandchildren, Phillip Thompson (Rachael), Christopher Thompson (Chelsea), Ty Parker and Sara Beth Parker.

Special thanks to the wonderful caregivers that have so lovingly cared for him these past few months. 

The visitation will be at First Baptist Church fellowship hall from 6 until 8 on Tuesday May 1. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to First Baptist Church (202 Summit Drive) mission fund for the youth mission trip to Tennessee this summer.