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Thomas Thompson Obituary
Louisville - Thomas N. Thompson, Jr, the owner of Tom's Fruit Market and Tom's Christmas Tree Lot, died in the early morning on November 15th, due to complications from Birkett's Lymphoma. He was 75. Mr. Thompson, who went by Little Tom for most of his life, was the owner of Tom's Fruit Market on 6722 Strawberry Lane, in the South End of Louisville as well as Tom's Tree Lot, where he retailed and wholesaled Christmas trees for the past 60 years, currently located on Christmas Tree Lane on the Waterfront.
He was a produce man through and through, and loved buying and selling fresh fruits and vegetables as well as plants, flowers, and Christmas trees, going as far as Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, or Tennessee, to buy at Amish auctions or through a network of farmers and growers that he spent a lifetime creating. He was a story teller, and a lover of bicycle rides, Patrick O'Brian novels, seeing good movies and live music, and listening to baseball games on the radio while he made long road trips visiting his daughter or making buying expeditions for his market.
After graduating from Shawnee High School in 1962, Mr. Thompson went on to the University of Louisville, graduating with a bachelor of science degree in Biology. His initial desire was to go on to dental school, but he was called to help his father Tommy Thompson Senior run Tommy Thompson Produce, and from there he started his life as a produce man. He was recruited to the National Guard in his twenties, and in his later years joined the American Legion Post 180, where he was a much beloved member. In addition to his daughter Jennifer N. Lippert and son, Thomas N. Thompson III, he is survived by his sweetheart Cindy Moxley, and a granddaughter Kate Lippert, a sister Dee Dee Sewell and a brother Alfred Thompson. He was widowed in 2016 by his wife Lucy S. Thompson. Every life he touched, he made better.
Visitation and memorial will be on Wednesday, November 20th, 2pm to 7pm at 4314 South Church Way, Louisville, Kentucky, 40207.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Thompson
Sponsored by The Courier-Journal.
Mary Butts
November 27, 2019
What a wonderful neighbor Tom was! The Schwann truck would drive by and Tom would buy orange sherbet push ups and pass them out to the neighbor kids. Tom always made my girls feel welcome when they went over to play with Tommy.
Lost touch with Tom after they moved but have many fond memories of my former neighbor.
My condolences to his children.
Charlie Harshfield
November 27, 2019
I had the privilege of knowing and working with Tom as his accountant for the past forty years. He was not only a client but a devoted, loving friend and confidant. We had many conversations over the years concerning our families as we watched our children grow and become adults in the complex world of today. He was a devoted husband to Lucy and Father to Jennifer and Tommy III and of course Granddaughter Kate. Tom was a very intelligent and successful man and one of the most humble person I have known. I shall miss his smile, laugh and concern for me and his family. Rest in peace dear friend and love and best wishes to your family and work family.
November 27, 2019
Knew Tommy from buying Christmas trees wholesale for at least 10 years now , hated hearing of him passing prayers to his family Henderson Flower Shop Charlestown
Chuck and Marianne Kass - Harmony Hill Evergreens LLC
November 21, 2019
Tommy Thompson was just a class act. We only knew him through our Christmas Tree wholesale business, but considered him a friend and gentle man.
We first met Tommy 10- 15 years ago while he was driving through Wisconsin looking at tree farms and, if I remember correctly, he would visit his daughter at UW Madison.
He was our favorite customer because of his business integrity . We always knew that Tommy would honor his commitment and would make you want to be able to provide him with quality products.
We will miss him tremendously.
Van
November 20, 2019
You will be greatly missed, Tom. Through the years working at the market with you, the many valuable lessons Ive learned. No one could surpass your patience and kind heart. You always put others first.
Thank you, boss.
Jon Buckman
November 19, 2019
Thanks, Tom for helping a young man learn how to work hard, put some money in his pocket, and have fun doing it. You meant a lot to many people. My sincerest condolences to Tom's loved ones. He made the world better by his presence.
Dave Kotchian
November 19, 2019
Tom was a very caring and generous individual. He was a valued member of the Zachary Taylor Post 180. Always had a great smile for any of the members there. We will all miss him very much. God Bless his soul.
Tommy at Kate's 6th Birthday Party
Soni Clubb
November 18, 2019
Tommy was one of the kindest people that we have ever known. We knew him mostly as the father of our dear friend Jennifer and grandfather of Kate. He would routinely drive straight through from Louisville to Upstate New York by himself in order be there for Kate's birthday parties or pretty much whenever Jennifer needed him. He was an almost angelic, gentle loving presence to the point where you felt comfort just being around him but also a very funny story teller. If anyone is going straight to heaven...it's Tommy.
XOXOXOXO
Soni and Tom
Robin Kaukas
November 18, 2019
Tom was one of the good guys and will be missed in the community, by family, friends and all those he had contact with. The comfort and kindness he gave to so many will be appreciated forever. I worked at the fruit market and Christmas tree lot briefly with his daughter Jennifer, a good friend, over 30 years ago and still went to both establishments regularly, knowing I'd get the highest quality products and maybe a Dad's update on Jen and her NY life. Always interested in peoples lives and easy with a smile and conversation, rest in peace Tom!
cecil redmon
November 18, 2019
Knew Lil Tommy , his father and mother from the ole Haymarket , I worked there when i was a kid many years ago... remember the good days and bad... the Thompsons played a big part on the Haymarket, they supplied most of the local produce stands who depended on them in part to eek out a living... my condolences to the family and close friends who knew them well no more suffering for you Tom , rest in peace...
Kathy Beck
November 18, 2019
Tommy,
I spoke to your dad earlier this year. He told me that you and he had become closer and that he really enjoyed time you guys spent together. I know you have missed your mom, as we all have so much. And I know how much you will miss your dad. I just remember your mom's laugh and your dad always making her laugh. They were truly a joy to be around.
So very sorry to hear this sad news. A great loss to so many who knew him.
Sincerely,
Kathy Beck
Alma Dresing Boylan
November 18, 2019
What a wonder man I have know him all my life and whenever I would see him at the tree lot or the vegetable stand he always took time to talk with me. Jennifer you all are in our prayers, what a great man your dad was.
November 18, 2019
Thom was a good friend I knew for many years. My Dad Ross drove for his dad on the haymarket.After I married we always went to Thom for a Christmas tree. He took time to stop and ask how we were doing as my Dad had retired by then! We would talk about the good ole days. Even after the Haymarket went way we would go to Strawberry Lane and see him. Thanks for the memories Thom ! Rest In Peace!
Morris and Honey Paine
November 18, 2019
Christmas will not be the same. We always enjoyed seeing Tommy at the start of the Christmas Season.
jennifer vislisel
November 18, 2019
I have been friends with Tom's daughter, Jennifer, for over 30 years, and also spent a summer long ago working with him at the Fruit Market. I will always remember Tom as a kind, caring, gentle man who would help others without hesitation. He passed too soon and will be deeply missed by so many who knew him. Rest in peace.
Phil Herndon
November 18, 2019
Tommy will be missed.
Chris Corbin
November 17, 2019
We knew Tom only briefly when introduced to him by Cindy. They seemed so happy together, sharing trips to visit relatives or planning future adventures. We were touched by that sweet personality that even though he didn't feel well, he was totally interested in talking and being with us. Rest in Peace, Tom.
Ron and Kathie Johnson
November 17, 2019
Tommy was a generous man and friend to many. He always had a positive attitude and was modest about his own accomplishments. We will miss him as a faithful friend and lovely human being.
john welch
November 17, 2019
may you rest in peace my friend (johnnys fruit market)
S. Wayne Nuss
November 16, 2019
Tommy was one of my earliest childhood friends, living on Michigan Dr three blocks from my home on Shawnee Terrace. We played baseball on the same teams. His parents were caring, and his little brother, which we called Big Al, was a character.
I'll add this great guy to my memories.
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