David "Rails" Thompson

David “Rails” Charles Thompson, born January 11, 1960, of Chesnee, South Carolina-Biker, Carpenter, Man of Few Words- Has taken his final ride Friday January 16, 2026 leaving behind drywall dust, unfinished projects, and a whole lot of people who knew better than to mistake his rough tough exterior for a rough heart.

A biker by passion and a carpenter by trade, he trusted his hands, tools, and instincts more

than words. If David was quiet, it didn’t mean he wasn’t listening and if he grumbled, it

probably meant he cared about the topic.

David was known for his tough exterior, and some people would use another expletive to

define it, but at his core he was deeply kind. He showed love by saying the phrase “Take it

easy”, offering a helping hand when you needed it, and if he really liked you, he may share a

Reese’s Cup and a Coke. (If you showed up with either in the past couple of months, you

were on his good side, and if he didn’t say thank you, just know you nailed it!)

He was in long term recovery from alcohol and it’s something he was very proud of. He

faced this with grit, determination, and humility. He put in the work one day at a time for

over 30 years. He didn’t preach, brag, or ask for praise- proving strength didn’t need an

audience.

David hated small talk, tolerated nonsense poorly, and had a talent for silence. Irish

goodbyes were award winning, cat videos at max volume during family time was a must,

and knocking before entering was against his religion. He would befriend your pets and

come to your house with a treat bag in his pocket, way before he came to visit with you.

David was predeceased by his beloved pets, his mother- Marguerite B. Thompson, father-

Charles L. Thompson, and many others. Surviving is his fabulous sister, Lynn Thompson-

King who became his true friend, a cherished sibling, and caretaker. He has two people in

his life that tie for first place on favorite person- His amazing niece and neighbor, Stephanie

King-Witz, and her husband Sean and his favorite fur children, and his wonderful niece

who is also responsible for this bangin’ obituary Savannah King-Junkin, her husband Eric

(pronounced Irk by David) and their children Hannah, Payton, and Savannah Junkin. One

honorable mention who has been here for it all, has all the stories to be able to share, and

is in this family by force not choice, his great friend Kelsey Stewart.

David leaves behind a legacy of homes on the mountain, stray cats, lessons learned, and a

great taste in music, always played at excessive volumes- exactly as intended.

Rev your bikes, crack a cold Coke, eat a spoon full of peanut butter, and crank Ozzy full

blast. Stay sober if you’re fighting that demon and remember to take it easy. He would roll his eyes at this obituary and probably would prefer just to not have one but too bad he left it up to us.

A celebration of life will be 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Harris-Nadeau Mortuary and Crematory.

In lieu of flowers, honor David by staying sober if that’s your fight, measuring twice and

cutting once, taking a long ride, drinking a coke, eating a Reese’s, or help your community

who rely on Mobile Meals of Spartanburg by making a donation in his name.

Mobile Meals of Spartanburg 419 E. Main St. Spartanburg, SC 29302 or online at www.mobile-meals.org

The family is at the home of Lynn Thompson King, 8499 Parris Bridge Road Chesnee, SC 29323.

Harris-Nadeau Mortuary & Crematory

Chesnee, SC.