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Gary Thompson Obituary
Blacksburg, VA
Gary Thompson, 80, former Abilene Christian University professor and Texas State Representative, passed April 13, 2017 in Blacksburg, Virginia after a brief illness.
Gary graduated from high school in Tyler, TX and earned a B.A. degree from Abilene Christian University, an M.A. from the University of Arkansas, and Ph.D. from North Texas State University. He taught and coached junior high and high school in Lovington, New Mexico and Chinle, Arizona before moving to Abilene in 1967. Gary was Director of Governmental Relations for the Teacher's Retirement System of Texas during 1986-95; otherwise, he taught political science at ACU from 1967 until retirement in 2011. Elected to the Texas State Legislature in 1978, Gary represented the 79th and 62nd legislative districts until 1986. During his tenure in the legislature, he served on numerous committees, including the Sunset Advisory Committee and the House Committee on County Affairs, which he chaired. In 1958, Gary married Nancy Thomas, a fellow student at ACU. Nancy was his beloved companion throughout their 56 years of married life. Gary and Nancy were longtime members of University Church of Christ in Abilene, where he served as deacon and was active for many years in the prison outreach ministry.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents Virgil and Floy Thompson and his wife Nancy Thompson. He is survived by brother James Thompson of Abilene, children Tom (Beth) of Christiansburg, VA and Jane (Chuck) Koble of Cedar Park, TX, granddaughters Amee, Sarah, Emily, Ava, and Alex, grandson Tate, and step-grandsons Beau and Austin.
Visitation will be at 1:00PM to 3:00PM, Saturday, April 22, 2017 at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 N. Lamar Blvd, Austin. Interment will follow at 4:00PM at the Texas State Cemetery, 909 Navasota St., with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that friends contribute to Christian Homes and Family Services or the Nancy Thompson Memorial Library at Abilene Christian Schools, 2550 N. Judge Ely Blvd., Abilene, TX 79601.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Thompson
Sponsored by Cook-Walden Funeral Home.
Jim Horn
April 26, 2017
Gary was a good friend and public servant that served his Disrrict , City, and State well. I was honored and blessed to serve with Representatve Thompson.
Mike Millsap
April 22, 2017
Gary was one of the most respected members of the Texas House of Representatives -for a good reason; we all trusted him and liked him. I will miss him greatly.
Profound sympathy to the family with hope that your precious memories of Gary will sustain you during this time.
Elizabeth Edwards
April 22, 2017
God loved you more, thanking him for the time you entered our lives you will be missed, but forever in our hearts.
Peggy Hamric
April 21, 2017
What a wonderful couple Gary and Nancy were. Gary was a wonderful resource during his tenure at TRS, and Nancy was a valuable and loved employee. I am so sorry for your loss.
Peggy Hamric
Randy Mercer
April 21, 2017
Gary was such a wise gentleman. I was lucky to rely upon him as my friend. Randy Mercer
John & Sharon Robinson
April 19, 2017
What can one say at the loss of a dear and close friend of 60 years---other than thanks to God for the friend's good and honorable life. Gary is gone from us but safe in the keeping of his Master whom he served in so many ways.
Our memories of Gary remain ever linked with those of Nancy, for the two could never be separated.
From our student days (when he sold me a car, but we still remained good friends!), to our service as faculty members at ACU, to our time as teamates in the NBA (Noon Basketball Association at ACU, that is), to our annual trips to the state basketball tournaments in Austin), to our countless rounds of golf at Shady Oaks,
and.....too many things to mention.
How wonderful were the HRT (Harper-Thompson-Robinson) Christmas dinners each year, "back in the day" when Tommy and Janie were children.
Intertwined lives well lived. Filled with grand memories. All founded on a devotion to our Lord Jesus.
Gary---and Nancy---you will always be in our hearts.
John & Sharon Robinson
Melissa Lawson
April 18, 2017
Dr. Thompson was a friend of my parents, Ervy and Zelma Boothe, and also a professor, mentor, and friend to me when I was a poli sci major at ACU. I will always remember the time when I was taking one of his courses that he wrote an essay exam just for me because I did not like multiple choice. :) He and Mrs. Thompson had me in their home for meals while I was a student at ACU, and I always appreciated their kindness toward me. My sympathy to the family.
John Dyer
April 18, 2017
It was a privilege to work with Gary back in his Texas Legislature days. A man of honor and dedication.
Dee Gill
April 18, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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