Joseph Cecil “Dick” Thompson

- Joseph Cecil “Dick” Thompson, 88, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2018, the last of Walter and Priscilla Thompson’s 13 children. Dick was born on December 5, 1929 and was preceded in death by his siblings and his wife of 56 years, Janis “Susie” Knott Thompson. A native of Wake County, Dick played football for Garner High School and was a part of the first graduating 12th grade class at the high school. He retired from a long career with NC State government building maintenance and spent his retirement years on home improvement projects and farming. Dick was an active member of Temple Baptist Church where he was known for many years as “The Man” in the children’s department. A founding member of the McCullers Ruritan Club, Dick served in every capacity. Before his health began to decline later in life, Dick enjoyed traveling with his wife, Susie, and his extended family to Florida, the mountain area of Ridgecrest NC, and the Atlantic coast beaches. He never met a stranger, and never met a fishing pole he didn’t like. Dick is survived by sisters in law: Dorothy Knott Preston of Raleigh and Doris Knott Talley and husband Bob of Knightdale; brother in law: Joe Thomas Knott, Jr. of Knightdale; nieces: Dorothy Talley Holley, Carolyn Knott, Frances Knott George; nephews: Bob Talley, Jr., Charles Talley, Mike Talley, Rick Talley, Ed Preston, III, Joe Preston, Joe Knott, III; numerous great nieces, nephews and cousins. A service to celebrate his life will be held at 2 pm on Friday, October 26th at Temple Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC; graveside service to immediately follow. The family will receive relatives and friends prior to the service from 1-2 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Temple Baptist Church, 1417 Clifton St., Raleigh, NC 27604.