David Charles Thompson

1952 - 2025

David Charles Thompson

June 9, 1952 - November 3, 2025

On Monday, November 3, 2025, David Charles Thompson of Lynchburg, VA passed away in much the same way that he did all things: in his own way. Born June 9,1952, in Mt. Clemons, MI, David was 73 at the time of his passing.

David is survived by his three children, Charles E. Thompson (Autumn) of Appomattox, VA, Lynn A. Engle (Lonnie) of Louisa, VA, and Christopher M. Thompson (Amanda) of Goode, VA; as well as his younger brother, Stephen W. Thompson (Diana) of Evans, GA, a nephew, Michael Thompson of Crestwood, KY and a niece, Paige Williams of Martinez, GA. David also leaves behind several young adult grandchildren- all of whom have created meaningful, purpose driven lives that made him so proud.

There is no doubt that he loved his children and truly treasured the time that he spent with them as adults, from camping and fishing to watching the Blue Devils score against the Tar Heels; from beach vacations, to traveling for Raiders football games and attending graduations (upon graduations); and from planning personal home remodel projects to visiting others' renovation job sites-he was present for the moments that mattered. He stood as the best man for Chris and proudly walked Lynn down a sandy aisle.

David was preceded in death by his father, Charles Wayne Thompson; his mother, Dolores Marion Arnold; and youngest brother, Paul Allan Thompson. We know their long awaited heavenly reunion was an occasion filled with hugs and happy tears.

A wood and metalworker, David often built what he needed rather than buying it. He lived as an overtly opinionated and proud American, believing in hard work and loving his routines: grocery shopping happened on Friday afternoons; Saturday nights were reserved for steak; and on Sundays, you could find him lying in the sun and reading crime dramas. His library of Clancy, Grisham, Baldacci, Patterson, King, and Shelton would rival any enthusiast. Beyond the endearment of routines, he had an unexplainable fascination for hot air balloons- their beauty, vastness, and mechanics.

When he retired from work more than 10 years ago, he did so, again, in his own way: retiring from as much as he possibly could and enjoying every moment of it. Over the past 40+ years, David loved his cocker spaniel best friends (Princess, Sadie, and Bailey), while tolerating his non-spaniel grand-dogs. For many years, David's home was the gathering place for Fourth of July shenanigans, made complete with potluck cookouts, and the best neighborhood display of fireworks that someone else's money could buy- memories his children and grandchildren will always cherish.

A few weeks before he passed, David shared that he no longer wanted to wait to do "all the things" that he'd previously put off for "tomorrow." To honor David's memory, don't wait to take the hot air balloon ride, tell your people you love them (do it often), work hard (and retire harder), and have steak on Saturday nights.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society and the Relay For Life of Greater Lynchburg. David always supported the Society through his daughter-in-law's work and personally felt the burden of cancer through the diagnoses of co-workers and friends. The irony of his passing during Pancreatic Cancer Awareness month is not lost on his loved ones… Cheers to you, David.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory. A funeral will be held 11 a.m., Friday, November 7, 2025 at Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory, by The Rev. Dr. Robert Putt. Interment will follow in Spring Hill Cemetery.

Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 Graves Mill Road, Lynchburg, (434) 239-2405 is assisting the family. Memories and thoughts may be shared with the family at:

www.heritagefuneralandcremation.com