Allen K. "A.K." Thompson Jr.

APRIL 22, 1943 - MAY 26, 2005
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown...2 Timothy 4:7-8.
After a valiant battle with cancer, Allen Kader "A.K." Thompson, Jr., 62, passed peacefully from this life to his eternal home in the presence of his beloved family at the Thompson home, 7812 St. Anne's Way, Fuquay Varina,N.C.
Kay, as he was affectionately known by friends and family, was born April 22, 1943 in Pikeville, N.C. to Allen Kader, Sr. "Buck" and Margaret Odelle Jones Thompson.
Kay is survived by his wife of 39 years, Sandra Thornton Thompson; daughter, Sonja Anne Voyles; brothers and wives, Ronnie and Donna Thompson of Goldsboro, Richard "Dickie" and Diane Thompsonof Garner; nephew, Chris Thompson of Garner and nieces, Brooke Thompson and Erin LeGrand (Ralph) of Pikeville.
Kay was predeceased by his adoring mother in 2000.
Kay attended Atlantic Christian College and afterwards served in the North Carolina National Guard, rising to the rank of captain. The family settled in Garner and became active members of Garner United Methodist Church. Kay served faithfully in various capacities of the church. He was named "Man of the Year" in 2004 by theGarner United Methodist Men's Club. While in Garner, he was also actively involved in the Chamber of Commerce. He served as Chairman of the Chamber's Economic Development Committee and was named Outstanding Chamber member in 1980 for his leadership efforts in obtaining the Governor's Excellence Award for the Town of Garner. In 1987, the Thompson' relocated to Fuquay-Varina and became part of the Bentwinds Community.
Kay was affliated with Ammon's Pittman in Real Estate and Property Managementand also with Colonial Life and Accident Insurance Company as an Executive Sales Representative during the last 15 years ofhis career until his recent retirement due to declining health.
Kay's life revolved around family, friends, work and his church. The loves of his life were Sandra, Sonja and their dog Daisy. He shared a unique loving relationship with his precious dad and brothers. He enjoyed golf, cooking ribs for his friends, dancing and his beloved beach music. He was an avid readerand will be missed at the local library where he was a frequent visitor.
During these last years, the church and the "Word" have been his lifeline. He was an example of courage and determination in his fight against cancer. He worked tirelessly to raise funds for the Garner Relay for Life and was an inspiration to his friends, neighbors and church family. He loved life and never, ever gave up. His faith has made him free!
Sandra and Sonja will be forever grateful to all their friends and neighbors who called, visited or offered their services in any way during this time of grief. Special heartfelt thanks go to their longtime and faithful friend, Danny Cotton for his unfailing love and support.
The Thompsons also extend their deepest thanks to Dr. Singh and his dedicated staff at the Cancer Center of North Carolina for their compassionate care during the last two years. We always left their office uplifted by loving hugs and will be forever grateful for all their kindness.
The family also extends its gratitude to the special "Angels" at Hospice of Wake County. Their support and expertisehave been instrumental in bringing all of us through this difficult and final phase of Kay's illness.
Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Garner, from 6 - 8 p.m. Saturday.
A celebration of Life service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Garner United Methodist Church, Garner, N.C. Interment will follow in Pikeville, N.C. in the Pikeville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Wake County, 1300 St. Mary's Street, 4th Floor, Raleigh,N.C. 27605 or to Garner United Methodist Church Building Fund, P. O. Box 2179, Garner, N.C. 27529.