Arnold Wayne Thompson

   Arnold "Wayne" Thompson died on Friday, October 31, 2024, after battling cancer and more recently leukemia.

   Wayne is survived by his devoted wife Bethany Thompson, his daughter Sheila Joy Gilchrist (Kenneth) and grandchildren Jacob and Megan Gilchrist. Wayne is also survived by his sister Linda Orwig (Burt) and brothers Gene Thompson, Tony Thompson and Bill Thompson (Barbara) and many loved nieces and nephews.

   Although born in rural Independence, Arkansas to poor parents Nathan Hale Thompson and Winona Ruby Thompson, the family moved frequently, yet Wayne spent his entire life as a young boy in the Baptist church. Few know that growing up Wayne developed a beautiful singing voice and joined a Show Choir as a young man, traveling the country to sing in a Barber Shop Quartet. Wayne landed for the longest time in Indiana and loved it so much he called Shelbyville home. Wayne loved Jesus Christ and in the last 12 years, dealt with life altering diseases. To the end of his life he was in constant prayer and yet could be quirky and sarcastic. All who knew Wayne knew his ‘filter’ was minimal as he spoke what was on his mind.

   Wayne spent his career in the Army and was an E7 Sergeant as well as an Analyst at the National Security Agency. His love for weapons carried through his career into his private life which allowed him to be an avid practice shooter. 

   Wayne adored old model cars of all kinds and was a proud ‘Ford Man’. He once built his devoted daughter Sheila, a canopy race-car bed. He adored NASCAR and the highly respected so-called ‘Gentlemen Drivers’, Bill and Chase Elliott.

   Wayne loved to travel with Bethany and their favorite spot was Jamaica where they met people from all over the world and some of those they met continued to be life-long friends. 

   A memorial service will be held at Snug Harbor Community Church on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary, followed by a Military Tribute outside on the grounds, and then a reception in the Fellowship Hall where lunch will be provided. The church is located at 133 Fir Street, Hertford, NC 27944. 

   Contributions in memory of Wayne may be made either to Snug Harbor Community Church or to AWARE (Animal Welfare of the Albemarle Region Every Day!), P.O. Box 203, Hertford, NC 27944.

   Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home & Crematory, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.