Homer J. Thompkins, Jr., 78, of Hopewell, Va., went to rest with the Lord on Thursday, June 2, 2016, at his residence surrounded by his wife and daughter. He was preceded in death by his father, Homer J. Thompkins, Sr., and his mother, Frances Archer Thompkins.
Homer graduated from Russell Grove High School in Amelia, Va., in 1956 and attended Virginia State College (now University). He worked on the farm with his father and was later employed at Central State Hospital in Petersburg, Va., where he met the love of his life Eleanor Wheat. After a brief courtship, they were married and had completed plans to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in December of this year. After marrying Eleanor, Homer was employed with the Hopewell Fire Department where he retired with 22 years of service.
Homer Thompkins, Jr. was baptized at First Baptist Church of City Point in 1970. While a member, he served as an usher, sang in the Chorus, the Male Hillside Gospel Choir, taught Vacation Bible School and was a trustee. He remained a dedicated member of the church until his health declined.
Homer is survived by his devoted and caring wife, "Honey", Eleanor W. Thompkins; one son, Derek Thompkins, Greenland, NH; two daughters, Krystal Thompkins, Raleigh, NC; and Karrol Bates (Robert), Petersburg, Va.; one grandson, Keenan Wittman, East Kingston, NH; two granddaughters, Cameryn and Keyna Bates, Petersburg, Va.; two sisters, Carrie Thompkins, Richmond, Va., and Joyce Medley, Amelia, Va.; three nephews, faithful, Sterling Wheat, Hopewell, Va., Leonard Medley, III (Lori), Smyrna, Ga., and Eric Medley, Sr. (Janiel), Amelia, Va.; three great-nephews, Eric D. and Jalen Medley, Amelia, Va., and Jacobi Medley, Richmond, Va.; one niece, Michelle Medley, Richmond, Va.; four great-nieces, Karla Koehl (David), Bethlehem, Pa., Lola Cobb (Jarrel), Duluth, Ga., Janiya and Alana Medley, Amelia, Va.; two great-great nieces, Taylor and Alexandria Koehl of Bethlehem, Pa. Homer had several very dear friends; among them are Howard Leroy Worsham, Amelia, Va., Maurice and Patricia Conley, Ettrick, Va., Benjamin Jackson, Sr., Hopewell, Va., Mary Carter, "partner," Petersburg, Va.; and a host of cousins and friends. Homer never met a stranger. His ability to tell stories and jokes and his joyful spirit will be missed by all who knew him.
A Celebration of life will be conducted at 12 noon, Wednesday, June 8, 2016, at First Baptist Church of City Point, 1117 Pierce St., Hopewell, Va., with Rev. Dr. Rudolph Dunbar, pastor, officiating. Interment will follow at the church cemetery. Funeral Services are entrusted to the professional staff of Tri-Cities Funeral Services, 415 Halifax Street, Petersburg, 804-621-0970. Mr. James I. Gay, general manager. Online condolences may be posted at
www.tricitiesfuneral.com.Published by The Progress-Index from Jun. 7 to Jun. 8, 2016.