Grady Michael "Mike" Thompson

Grady Michael “Mike” Thompson, a native of Woodleaf NC, graduated to Heaven on Thursday, May 10th, 2018 after an extended illness and a valiant three month battle to regain his health. Born in Rowan County, on October 28th, 1953 to the late Elva Lee McDaniel and Frank Wallace Thompson, Mike was a graduate of West Rowan High School and Rowan Cabarrus Community College. A friend to many, Mike worked at MAN Bus Company, American LaFrance and Freightliner's Cleveland facility. He enjoyed and was dedicated to his job as a Quality Control Auditor until his recent retirement. Mike was an avid collector, with an appreciation for all things antique. He had a gift for taking something others had cast off and making it useful again. Mike enjoyed a good practical joke, working with his hands, the beauty of the mountains around Sparta, NC and quiet evenings at home with loved ones which included 3 cats and 2 dogs. Preceding him in this life was his brother Mark Daniel Thompson. Survivors include his wife, Janet Cranford Thompson whom he married on June 21, 1981; two sons, John Thompson and his wife Erin along with their three children, Mason Smith, Evelyn and Bennett Thompson of the home, and son Ryan Thompson all of Woodleaf, NC. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 16th at Summersett Funeral Home in Salisbury, NC. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 17th at South River United Methodist Church in Woodleaf, NC. The Rev. A.J. Moore will officiate, and Tim Kelty will also assist with the service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to the South River UMC for the Cemetery Endowment Fund, 2880 South River Church Road, Woodleaf , NC or to the Scotch-Irish Fire Department, 3220 Needmore Road, Woodleaf, NC. Also please consider making a donation of blood or platelets at your local blood drives. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Thompson family. Online condolences may be made at