Thomas Raymond "Tommy" Thompson

Thomas "Tommy" Raymond Thompson of Daphne, Alabama, passed away peacefully at his home on August 1, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on October 25, 1933, in Mayhew, Mississippi, Tommy lived a life of deep devotion to his country, his faith, and most of all, his family. He graduated as Valedictorian of Artesia High School, a reflection of his intelligence, discipline, and strong sense of responsibility that would carry through every chapter of his life.

A proud veteran, Tommy served with distinction as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He continued to honor his fellow servicemen and women through active involvement in the PFC Jesse Andrews Jr. Marine Corps League, Detachment #1378.

Following his military service, Tommy built a successful career as a locomotive engineer. He worked for several major railroads throughout his tenure, including Gulf, Mobile, and Ohio Railroad (GM&O), Illinois Central Gulf Railroad (ICG), Gulf and Mississippi Railroad (GMSR), and Kansas City Southern Railway Company (KCS), from which he retired in 1994. His work on the rails was marked by dedication, discipline, and an unwavering work ethic.

Tommy was preceded in death by his father, Frank Higdon Thompson; his mother, Pearl Shook Thompson; his first wife, Patricia Marie O'Brien Thompson; his brothers, Donald Franklin Thompson, and Brigadier General and Reverend Edward Truman Thompson; his sister, Joan Thompson Langford; his brother-in-law, David Aubrey Langford, Sr.; his son-in-law, Richard Ernest Johnson; and his granddaughter, Megan Marie Chandler.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Jackie Thompson; his beloved children, Ed Thompson (NeNe), Kathy Sundie (Mike), Steve Thompson (Donna), and Rebecca Marshall (Ronnie); his stepchildren, James Simmons (Dawn), Jerry Simmons, Scott Irwin, and Jason Irwin; his grandchildren, Dayna Roberts, Ashley "Nikki" Sanders, Brad Thompson, Justin Rider, Christen Chandler, Tricia Richmond, Elizabeth Thompson, and Braden Irwin; his seventeen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.

Tommy embraced life with passion and purpose. He was an avid golfer and could often be found on the greens of Timber Creek Golf Course. A gifted ballroom dancer and seasoned traveler, he and Jackie explored many parts of the world, often by cruise. He found joy in the simple moments and treasured every memory made with those he loved.

Above all, Tommy was a man of faith. He accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Artesia Baptist Church. After moving to Daphne, he attended Jubilee Baptist Church, where his strong spiritual foundation continued to shape his life. His greatest legacy is the love he shared so freely with his family, who will forever cherish his wisdom, warmth, and enduring presence.

Funeral services will be held at Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, on Saturday, August 9, 2025. There will be a time of visitation beginning at 11AM, followed by the service at 1PM. Interment will take place at the Alabama Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spanish Fort, AL at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to the Jubilee Baptist Church Building Fund at https://www.jubileebaptist.com/give or the PFC Jesse Andrews Jr. MCL, Detachment #1378 at https://alabamamcl.org/pfc-jesse-andrews-jr-mcl-detachment-1378/

Semper Fi, Sergeant Thompson. You are deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.

Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family.