Kelly D. Thompson May 21, 1924 – January 01, 2019 Share this obituary Sign Guestbook Kelly D. Thompson, 94, went home to praise our Father, reunited with loved ones who went on before, especially with his wife of 40 years, Sara Skinner Thompson. Kelly died on the 1st day of January 2019 in his home in Springfield where he has lived for 54 years. Kelly was born in the Farmdale community of Screven County on May 21, 1924, and was baptised at GreenHill Baptist church.
He was the first born son of the seven children of Faye Etta Tillman and John Goldwire Thompson, Sr. Growing up in Screven County, Kelly attended school there and worked on his grandfather’s farm. He spoke fondly with heartfelt memories of his grandparents, Morgan and Emma Thompson. He credits his Grandfather with teaching him how to plant, farm and work those hardheaded mules in the fields.
In 1943 he was drafted into service with the United States Navy. He was assigned to the USS Paul G. Baker, a destroyer escort and was aboard when it launched on March 12, 1944 until the end of World War II. He returned home to help on the farm and began honing his carpentry skills working with his Dad helping to build houses.
On April 30, 1955 he married the love of his life, Sara, and they made a home in Sylvania. In 1957 hebegan working for Newton P. Kieffer and the Kieffer construction company as a carpenter. The family moved to Springfield in 1964 to be closer to Kelly’s job.
He continued working in construction until his retirement. After retirement he loved doing carpentry work for his neighbors and friends. Kelly enjoyed fishing in the Savannah and Ogeechee rivers, dove hunting, reading the daily newspaper, watching old westerns on TV and reading western novels.
He loved tending a garden each spring and supplied his family with fresh vegetables. He deeply loved his family especially his grandchildren andgreat-grands. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Sara Skinner Thompson, his siblings, John G. Thompson, Jr., Dorothy Grace Mock, Winston “Wink” Thompson, Bernard Thompson, and Betty Faye Scott.
Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law Angie and Clarence Gnann of Stillwell, his son and daughter-in-law Ken and Julie Thompson of Rincon; granddaughters Kelsey (Grant) Anderson of Springfield, Kerrie (Jack) Thain of Springfield, Meghan (Tyler) Nunn of Rincon, McKenna Thompson of Orlando FL; great grandchildren Hagan Clarence Anderson and Wyatt Jack Thain: two brothers Lavaughn (Lay) Thompson of Statesboro, and Donnie Thompson of Springfield. Several beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family. Funeral services will be Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 3:00 in the Effingham Chapel of Thomas C. Strickland and Sons funeral home with Pastor Dave Hansen officiating.
. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 1:30-3:00. Interment will follow in Union Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Grant Anderson, Jack Thain, Tyler Nunn, Gene Thompson, Greg Thompson, and Bryan Sommers. Memorial contributions may be made to Honor Flight Savannah, ℅ Jerry Maennche, 306 Chestnut Street, Springfield, GA 31329. Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel.
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