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Hugh Thompson Obituary
Vero Beach, FL
Hugh Thompson, Jr. passed peacefully, Wednesday, April 25, 2018, surrounded by family. Hugh was born on September 26, 1928 to Dr. and Mrs. Hugh Thompson in Charleston, WV. He attended Charleston High School where he excelled in sports and was the president of his class. Hugh attended Duke University before transferring to Miami University of Ohio where he played Varsity Basketball and Tennis. Upon completion of his BS degree he served as 2nd Lieutenant in the United State Air Force.
Following his service Hugh returned to Charleston where he began a long and distinguished career with Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. At the age of 31 he was the youngest agent in the history of Northwestern to lead the company's 8,000 sales people in total volume sales. Through his tenure he was also recognized by American Sales Masters as the #1 Agent in the Country of ANY company. In 1964 he was recognized by the Charleston Jaycees as the Young Man of the Year and was among the top 10 young men in America.
Hugh was very active in both the Charleston and Vero Beach Communities. In addition to the organizations Hugh supported, he was an elder of Presbyterian Church and on the Board of Trustees of the Community Church in Vero Beach.
He was a passionate player and promoter of tennis. He won many tournaments including the prestigious Mason-Dixon doubles tournament. He also started a non-profit public tennis program in Charleston, WV that was recognized as one of the top 2 programs in the US. Hugh served on the USTA National Jr. Tennis Council with his first wife MK Thompson (deceased) and served as Vice Chairman for 2 years of the USTA Junior Development Committee.
Hugh married MK Thompson in 1964 and they had three children: Terry, Gary, and Wendy. The family moved to Vero Beach in 1973. MK passed when the children were ages 8, 9, & 10. Hugh later married Ann C. Isenhour who also had three children: Wyn, Becky, and Tripp. Hugh was one of the first members of Johns Island. In addition, he and Ann were members of Quail Valley in Vero Beach, FL and Linville Golf Club in Linville, NC.
Survivors include his six children, Terry, Gary and Wendy Thompson, Wyn Frame, Becky Shealy, and Tripp Isenhour, eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death, by his beloved wife of 35 years, Ann C. Thompson, his first wife, MK Thompson, his sister Frances Young, and a grandchild.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Community Church Youth Program, 1901 23rd Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
A memorial service celebrating his life will begin at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at The Community Church in Vero Beach.
Arrangements are under the direction of Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach. A guest book is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Hugh Thompson
Sponsored by Strunk Funeral Homes and Crematory - Vero Beach.
ALBERT CLARKSON
May 6, 2025
Did not know Hugh had passed. We played tennis often at the Charleston Tennis Club, Charleston, WVa. He was a fine person and gave much of his time to tennis. I'm sure he played much in Florida. May he Rest In Peace.
Ed (Paul Edward) Ray
October 18, 2019
So sorry to hear the belated news about everyones friend, Hugh Thompson. He did so much for me in tennis, a college scholarship and a letter of recommendation for tennis professional in High Point, NC. God be with you, Hugh
Mark Krebs
April 22, 2019
It has been said that our purpose in life is to make the world a better place through the service to others. Hugh did so in many ways, not the least of which was the way in which he shared with other members of the Northwestern Mutual family how to explain the wonderful benefits of permanent life insurance. One of Hughs greatest talents was the ability to take complex concepts and make them understandable. This is the hallmark of great teachers and Hugh was one of the best ever.
Joanna Kopec
July 18, 2018
Im so sorry for everybody lost. I met Mr Thomson at the restaurant with his beautiful wife. He was unbelievable soul. I will never forget you Mr Thomson :(
May 13, 2018
To Terry and Kelly & Hello Family, So sorry for your loss. I was one of your dad's caregiver's for a about a year. I had the pleasure to get to know him as a father as well. I always enjoyed his words of wisdom... He offered to counsel my son who had some oppositions in his life. I thought that was very kind of him to open his heart to a strange young man. I really appreciated him. God bless you all....love sent to special love sent to little Hugh and Duke :) Love Demi Jacques
Carey Shook
May 4, 2018
My deepest condolences to the family.I met Hugh as a young agent and he quickly became a role model and inspiration. He helped so many of us to be better at serving our clients and become better people. His warmth and caring will always be remembered.
Robert Moore
May 4, 2018
What I'll remember most were our battles on the tennis court at the (gone now) Riomar Tennis Club. We always gave our best during those matches. The Thompson Family is in my thoughts during this difficult time.
Shauna Baur
May 4, 2018
So many years I knew ,respected and loved this man and never did his words or actions disappoint.
I feel honored to have witnessed his life and most importantly had the opportunity to know and cherish those wonderful Thompson kids (now adults)
Wendy Gary and Terry.
Im So very sorry for your loss.
I love you all dearly.
Shauna
May 2, 2018
Hugh's passing reminds me of a grave head stone I saw" The Lord has eased your pain and given you rest.... but we have lost one of our very best" Kirk Wimberly
Dave Shields
May 1, 2018
I first met Hugh attending his seminar for Northwestern agents in Michigan, and was soon one of his "followers", as he was a wonderful teacher, friend, fraternity brother, study group leader,always openly sharing ideas and friendship with his Northwestern family. There will never be another Hugh, & we will miss him.
Barbara and John Tabaretti
May 1, 2018
So sorry to hear of Hugh's passing.
David Faison
May 1, 2018
many of us in the Northwestern Mutual family were blessed to know Ann and Hugh. Hugh gave so much to so many and we are better for having known him. hats off to a hero who touched many lives, including mine
Mark Krebs
May 1, 2018
To Hugh's family:
Your Dad and Grandfather was a brilliant man who could take the most complex financial concept and make it understandable to any audience. I had the pleasure of working with him in Charlottesville, Va as a member of Physicians Nationwide, a sales group of Northwestern Mutual agents. His sales concepts were some of the most creative, yet easily transferable ideas the industry had ever seen. He lead the Northwestern at a time when one on one sales were the order of the day. One could not be in his presence without learning something. He was a great teacher and most generous with his time. His influence in our industry is almost without measure.
April 30, 2018
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always. Hosea 13:14
Becky Benson
April 29, 2018
Sending my thoughts and prayers to Terry, Gary and Wendy and their families during this difficult time. Your Dad was an amazing man who always took time to help whenever needed. He was a great friend to our family for many years, especially during our years in Vero, he will be so missed, praying for you as you go through these difficult days. RIP Hugh...
Marcia Benson
April 29, 2018
Hugh was one of my dearest friends and was always there. His thoughts were always for others and their needs and he was always there to talk to when needed. He will be missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family.
Lorna McConnell
April 28, 2018
Got to know Hugh via United Way of Indian River County. He had a deep affection for the area & mentored the younger volunteers. May your memories sustain you at this time!
Sue Rushton
April 28, 2018
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
John A. Feddema
April 28, 2018
Marlene and I send our sincere condolences and prayers for the family.
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