Hal Alexander Thompson

HAL ALEXANDER

THOMPSON

MARCH 4, 1924 - MAY 13, 2009

RALEIGH -- Hal Alexander Thompson was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, the oldest son of John Marvin Thompson and Lilly Ball Thompson and was one of five children.

Hal lived in Raleigh all of his life and had many fond memories of growing up at 400 Kinsey Street in Boylan Heights, where he had many adventures with his neighborhood friends and family. In those days, a horse drawn ice wagon would still make deliveries down his street. At the age of 14, Hal was the proud winner of the 1938 Raleigh Soap Box Derby, after coming in second to his brother the year before, and racing in the National Soap Box Derby finals in Akron, Ohio. He graduated from Hugh Morson High School, where he was Captain of the Track Team, and later attended North Carolina State College's School of Engineering. He joined the United States Army Air Corps during World War II where his love of mechanical things and building inspired him to become a P-51 Fighter Pilot. While stationed at Luke Air Force Base, in Phoenix, Arizona, Hal married Grace Altman of Dunn, NC, his wife of 63 years. They returned back to Raleigh after the war where they raised their family of one daughter and three sons.

Hal joined his father's construction company, J.M. Thompson Company, in 1946, where he worked for over 60 years. Over the years, the company built hundreds of commercial buildings in the Carolinas, Virginia and Georgia. His legacy is carried on today by his three sons, John, Dickie and Marty, who now operate the company which is in its 88th year. He received many industry and civic awards throughout his lifetime, including the Carolinas AGC Pinnacle Award for "Executive of the Year," and the "Industry Recognition Award" from the General Contractors' Association of Raleigh, where he was a founding member. Hal served on the Board of Trustees of Louisburg College for 27 years, as well as being an active member of the Raleigh Exchange Club for 63 years. His other civic involvement included co-founding Camp Oak Hill and the Wake County Chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He served on the State Building Commission, the Board of the Methodist Retirement Homes, and was past Commander of the Raleigh American Legion, a Scout Leader for the Boy Scouts of America, a Wolfpack Club supporter and avid fan. He was a master woodworker and enjoyed the countless hours he spent building the 36-foot "Lady Grace," a boat he constructed in his back yard, which his family enjoyed for many years.

Hal believed in God, country, and family, and never missed the opportunity to share his testimony of faith in Jesus Christ, and how blessed we all are to be Americans. He was a charter and lifelong member of Trinity United Methodist Church, where he taught Sunday School and served on the Administrative Board and Board of Trustees. He incorporated his Christian beliefs in the operation of his business.

Hal is survived by his wife, Grace Altman Thompson; daughter, Suzanne Thompson Southard, of Bahama, NC and husband Art; son, John Marvin Thompson II, of Raleigh and wife Vicki; son, Richard (Dickie) Alexander Thompson, of Raleigh and wife Angie; and son, Hal Martin (Marty) Thompson of Cary and wife Cindy. He was also blessed with eight grandchildren: Anna Rachel Carmel, of Portland, Oregon; Mark Cameron Thompson, of Atlanta, GA.; Caroline Grace Thompson, of Raleigh; Paul Michael Thompson, of Raleigh; Lauren Ashley Thompson, of Raleigh, Travis Alexander Thompson, of Raleigh; Madeline Page Thompson and Hal Martin Thompson II, of Cary. He is also survived by his sisters Kathleen Thompson Bogasse of Myrtle Beach, SC; and Doris Thompson Wall and husband Bill of Raleigh. He was preceded in death by his sister Margarite "Geet" Thompson Perry and brother, John Wiley Thompson.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., on Thursday, May 14, 2009, at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 831 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 27604. A service in celebration of his life will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church, 824 North Bloodworth Street, Raleigh, NC 27604, at 1:00 p.m., on Friday, May 15, 2009, followed by a graveside service at Briar Creek Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial gifts to Trinity United Methodist Church.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com.

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