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BORN
1938
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Wriston Thompson Obituary
October 20, 1938 - April 25, 2025
Wriston Augustus Thompson, Jr., age 86, of Mila, VA passed away on April 25, 2025 after a long illness. Born in 1938 in Atlanta, GA, Wriston grew up in Asheville, NC where he met and later married his high school sweetheart, Jeanette. They shared 61 wonderful years together before her passing in 2020. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Wriston A. Thompson, and Marguerite W. Thompson. Wriston is survived by daughters, Vicki Tambellini (Dave), Mitzi Staton, and Rebecca Collins (Ron); grandchildren, Katelyn Ilkani (Awat), Chase Tambellini, Lauren Staton, and Haley Thomson; and great-grandsons, Grant and John Ilkani. He graduated in 1960 from Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, NC, and went on to dedicate 38 years with JCPenney. Throughout his many relocations, he and Jeanette built lasting friendships. Wriston loved to play tennis and golf. He fell in love with country music when they lived in Nashville and music became a favorite pastime. Upon retirement, he and Jeanette settled in Midlothian, VA. A man of deep faith and conviction, he was an active member of his church and Knights of Columbus where he served as Grand Knight. He will be remembered for his unwavering faith, love for and commitment to his wife and his family, and sense of humor.
A Mass for Wriston and Memorial for Jeanette will be held on May 15, 2025 at 2 p.m. at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, 2700 Dolfield Dr., North Chesterfield, VA 23235. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Interment and a reception will immediately follow Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Knights of Columbus or Ladies Auxiliary C/O St. Edward (see address above).
Currie Funeral Home
Kilmarnock, VA
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Memories and Condolences
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Sponsored by Currie Funeral Home and Crematory.
3 Entries
Jack Johndrow
May 8, 2025
Wriston was a big help to me as District OM when I went to Store Operations Mgr in Richmond. I remember his laugh, especially when he discovered the dumb thing I had done, but always followed up with guidance on how to do it better. His leadership and friendship was instrumental to my career.
Aaron Lockamy
May 8, 2025
I had great memories working with Wriston
On the JCPenney District Staff for 5 years,
Wriston was a great encourager working along with many JCP management and associates. He was always willing to listen and help make our jobs easier. I remember
Wriston laughing he enjoyed life and loved his family and friends.
Aaron Lockamy
George Houston
May 8, 2025
During my JCP years, we experienced companionship & friendship. He enabled our work to be productive & enjoyable. Wonder who will now receive the residuals from the country song Wriston wrote which Willie Nelson recorded. He joked this would fund his retirement.
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Currie Funeral Home and Crematory116 East Church Street P. O. Box 1275, Kilmarnock, VA 22482
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