Clay Thompson

KINGS MOUNTAIN: William Clayton Thompson III, Clay, 68, passed away on September 16, 2023, at Atrium Health in Charlotte, NC due to a massive stroke.
Clay was born on May 31, 1955 to William Clayton Thompson Jr. and Eloise Fagan-Bridges in Greenwood, SC. Clay graduated from Richmond High School in 1973, he went on to study engineering at Eastern Carolina University.
After visiting the beaches of Eastern Carolina, Clay went on to obtain his Real Estate License, followed by spending many years in the textiles industry - he was a sewing Machine Mechanic at Clevemont, Plant Manager at Western Dynasty and a Mechanic for the Rehabilitation Program with the state of North Carolina Prison System, from where he retired. Following retirement, he and wife Cindy, "Shorty", started their own company Environmental Land Management, which they have owned and operated for the past 32 years.
Co-owning a family business meant that Clay spent much of his time on a job site. In his free time he loved tinkering with anything that needed fixin'. He also loved spending holidays with his family and was known for his holiday pranks and telling a good story. He was a big kid who was always up for a good roller coaster adventure with his daughter and grandkids. When he wasn't working, tinkering or on an adventure, he enjoyed spending time at flea markets with "Shorty", or watching Westerns with his dogs.
Clay is survived by his wife of 41 years, Cindy Thompson, daughter Heather Sircey, Son-in-Law Scott Sircey, grandchildren Braylyn and Bryten, Stepmother Becky Thompson, sister Rebecca Thompson, Step brothers Steve and Mark Jones, Half brother Bob Thompson along with his nieces and nephews who he loved dearly.
He was predeceased by Father William Clayton Thompson Jr., Mother Eloise Fagan-Bridges, Sister Cynthia Thompson-Payne, Paternal Grandparents William Clayton and Marian Thompson, Maternal Grandparents Boyce and Anna Fagan.
A Memorial Service will be held on November 4, 2023, details forthcoming.