Tye Olan Thompson

Mr. Tye Olan Thompson, age 69, of Harrison, passed away on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Washington County Regional Medical Center following a brief illness. A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the May and Smith Funeral Home chapel, with burial following at Washington County Memorial Gardens. Reverend Jessica Ford will officiate, and pallbearers will be Jaiden Kent, Keith Foster, Chase Knowles, Garbiel Yawn, Jason Osborne, Michael Osborne, Brian Wallace. The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Mr. Thompson was born in Swainsboro, the son of the late Johnny H. Thompson and the late Laura Jean Mincey Thompson. He worked in maintenance for Jet Food Stores, Inc., and enjoyed fishing and hunting in his free time. Mr. Thompson also was very particular about his yards and enjoyed cutting grass. He enjoyed “trash-talking” with those closest to him and he possessed a very giving heart and loved to help others. His greatest joy in life was his family, especially his grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his daughter, Sterling Janelle Vivian Thompson, and brothers, Allen, Ted, Charles, and Emmitt.

Mr. Thompson is survived by his wife of 23 years, Penny Thompson; children, Stephanie Patrick (Kelly) of Waycross, John Paul Manken (Elicia) of Riddleville, Erica Santovenia (Rei) of Beacon, NY, and Cheyanne Knafelc of Harrison; grandchildren, Brianna Thompson, Mary Thaxton, Daylon Guzman, Logan Walburger, Gabriel Yawn, Stormy Yawn, Emily Huber, T.J. Ellis, Mary Louise Huber, Chase Knowles, Abigail Manken, and his “Cooter Brown” Kennadi Foster; 7 great grandchildren; and brothers, Johnny Thompson, Robert Thompson, Van Thompson, and Autrey Thompson.

Condolences may be made online at mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com

May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.