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Tommy Thompson Obituary
07/31/1938 - 06/26/2012
Tommy, 73 passed away on Tuesday June 26, 2012 of Alzheimers, in Orlando, Florida. Tommy was born in Lincoln, Illinois. He spent his early years in Auburn, California, graduated from Placer High School in 1956, where he received a scholarship to play baseball at Fresno State. After completing years of college and getting a BA and an AA, he was drafted by the Minnesota Twins and found himself in Orlando, Fla. After his baseball career ended, he became a teacher with OCPS and spent 27 years at Edgewater High School as a driver's Ed teacher, baseball coach, and athletic director. He impacted untold lives with his work ethic, values, and dedication combined with his wonderful sense of humor and love for life. Always a positive person, he lived every day to its fullest. Tommy had such a unique personality that once you met him you never forgot him. He was preceded in death by his wonderful wife Susan. Tommy is survived by his and Susan's children, daughter Sarah (Keith) Reynolds, grandchildren Brett and Amy Reynolds, son Mark (Emy) Thompson, wife Catherine, brother Wayne Thompson (Scrappy) (Kaye), nieces Pamela (Zane), Deborah (Correy), and sister Margo (Bitsy) (George) Laner, of Auburn Calif., nephew Dean Laner, his daughter Kerry of Susanville Calif., nephew Derek (Susan) their daughters Sha'Len and Megan Laner of Loomis Calif. A memorial service was held Monday, July 2; at 1 P.M. at First Presbyterian Church, in Orlando, Fla. Donation can be made in his memory to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105.
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Memories and Condolences
for Tommy Thompson
6 Entries
Sally & Leon Stanley
July 12, 2012
Tommy, I will miss your smile and the love you freely gave to everyone who's heart you have touched. The sparkle in your eyes and the kindness of your smile made this a better place for all of us.
I have so adored you for the past 45 years. You have been such a role model for so many young people.
So it is said, "If the measure of someone is the lives they have touched and changed for the better, then your life has been infinite in measure."
You will never be forgotten by those who's lives you have touched.
You will forever be in my thoughts and prayers and you will always hold a special place in my heart,
Love you forever,
Sally
harry benzie
July 11, 2012
so sorry to hear of toms passing. he was a great guy. we graduated together , and were teammates in high school baseball. i remember great times at working at mendleson-zeller fruit shed during the summer. harry benzie
July 10, 2012
I was so sorry that Tommy missed our last class reunion; He was one of those special people who could always make you laugh. So many good memories.
Mary Sue Monahan, Newcastle, California
Myron "Ron" Barbour
July 7, 2012
So sorry to hear of Tommy's death. He was a wonderful guy who made the world a better place. We need more like him!! May God bless you all. Ron Barbour, Placer Union High School, class of 1956, retired Lutheran minister, Alexandria VA, with daughter and family who live in Orlando (Windermere).
July 6, 2012
Hello Big Brother! I miss you sooo but I know your having fun with mom & dad & playing ball, especially with all our animals, haha. You stood by, taught me, made me laugh til we cried, but your in a much better place.. Til we meet again...Love Smutz!
John de la Montanya
July 6, 2012
I went to Bowman school with Tommy. When he started in the first grade his dad asked me if I would look after him and see that he got home,which was just down the road from the school. I was in the 4th grade, and one day when I walked him home big Tommy (his dad) asked me in to their house where he showed me a baseball signed by Babe Ruth. Big Tommy played with Ruth in the last game of his (Ruth's)career.
I have thought of Tommy many times and lost track of where he lived. I am so glad he had a full and good life.
My prayers are with his family.
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