Henry Alfred "Big Al" Thompson

Henry Alfred Thompson, 88, of Garner, NC passed away on April 26, 2025. He was born May 11, 1936, to the late John Thompson and Ila Pollard Thompson. He was the second born of five children.

He worked hard from a very young age on his family farm and attended school to completion at Garner High School, class of 1955. He then went on to join the Army, where he served for 6 years. Alfred met the love of his life, Lois Wall Thompson, also from Garner and they were married two days after her high school graduation in 1958. They went on to raise 4 children in a Christian home, two sons and two daughters. Alfred worked jobs with the News and Observer, Armour Meat Company, Coca-Cola bottling company and K&L scrap metals.

Alfred, alongside his brother Wallace, decided to start their own scrap metal business and in 1975, TT&E Iron and Metal was formed. During his years at TT&E he wore many hats, while his love for recycling and making the community beautiful grew. He loved each and every employee like they were family and had a fondness for every customer as he strived to create a successful business. He loved spending time with his sisters and their families, often taking trips together. He and Lois were long time members of Highland Baptist Church.

After he retired in 2018, he enjoyed being with his family, he was a wonderful PaPa and Great PaPa to grandkids and great grandkids. He enjoyed traveling with Lois to the Beach and the mountains of NC. They also made several trips to Hawaii and Branson, Missouri, and made many drives across the country to California and various NASCAR venues. He had a guilty pleasure of watching professional wrestling both on television and at live events with his grandkids. Alfred was a loud, funny, strong man that lived life to the fullest and he will be missed by many.

Alfred was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ila Thompson, his sister Sybil Woodall and his granddaughter Danielle Payseur.

Alfred is survived by his beautiful bride of 66 years, Lois Thompson, his daughter Tandra Payseur, his son Mark Thompson, his daughter Karen Watkins (Bobby) and his son Ronnie Thompson.

Alfred is survived by his grandchildren, Rusty Payseur, Frankie Grant (Cecilia), Trent Watkins (Karen), Turner Watkins (Shelby), Kaitlyn Thompson Fanfani (Filippo), Hannah Thompson, John Thompson; and great grandchildren Lane Alfred Watkins, Liam Watkins, Daisy Watkins, Isla Watkins and baby Grant.

Alfred is also survived by his brother Wallace Thompson and his sisters Kay Menzmer and Kathy Lee. Alfred also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and great friends that will miss him dearly.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 1200 Benson Road, Garner, NC 27529. The family will receive friends and relatives at the funeral home from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Entombment will follow the funeral service at Montlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Flowers are appreciated and memorial contributions in Alfred's memory may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Funeral arrangements are by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Garner. Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com