Albert Thompson Jr.

Albert G. Thompson Jr. CHESAPEAKE - Albert Glenn "Al" Thompson Jr., 68, died Nov. 13, 2008. Mr. Thompson was born in Charlotte, N.C., the son of the late Albert G. Thompson and Ruth Barnes Thompson and was raised in Forest City, N.C., where he was a graduate of Cool Springs High School. As a youth, he was active in the First United Methodist Church and was an Eagle Scout. He also received the God and Country Award. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from North Carolina State University in Raleigh and a Master of Science in mathematics from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He was a professor of mathematics at Tidewater Community College, Norfolk Campus, and a former division chairman. He served at the college for 38 years. Al was active in his church and his community. He was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church, Portsmouth, where he had taught the Voyagers and Seekers Adult Sunday School Class and was a former president of the United Methodist Men. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Portsmouth, served as its president for the year 1999-2000, had been the club secretary since 2001, and achieved 12 years perfect attendance prior to his recent illness. In 1993, he was named a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow. He was given the Distinguished Service Award by the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce in 2002 and was recognized by the United Way for his leadership in the 2003 campaign. Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Gail Bailey Thompson; two sons, Albert Ray "Bert" Thompson and wife Marsha of Chesapeake and Brett Bailey Thompson and wife Tiffany of Virginia Beach; seven grandchildren, Brooke, Bethany, Madison, Ava, Alivia, Briana and Brock Albert Thompson. Also surviving is a brother, the Rev. Dr. George E. Thompson and wife Patricia of Charlotte, N.C. A funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday in Centenary United Methodist Church, Portsmouth. Burial will follow in Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens, Suffolk. Friends may join the family Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. in Baker-Foster Funeral Home, Bennett's Creek Chapel, Suffolk. Memorial donations may be made in his name to the Rotary Foundation, c/o Portsmouth Rotary Club, P.O. Box 3, Portsmouth, VA 23705, Tidewater Community College, 121 College Place, Norfolk, VA 23510-1938 or Centenary United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund, 3312 Cedar Lane, Portsmouth, VA 23703. The family wishes to thank the physicians, nurses, and support staff at Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center Intensive Care Unit and Lake Taylor Transitional Care Hospital. A special debt of gratitude goes to Dr. Eric Freeman. Al was a devoted husband and loving father and grandfather. His friendly smile brought joy to those he knew.