Tommie Thompson

Tommie Thompson was born in Baltimore, Maryland on August 7, 1942, to Malachi Thompson, and Hattie Marie Brown. He migrated to Jackson County, Mississippi in 1982, where he worked for the State of Mississippi, and served as an Addiction Treatment Specialist for the Stevens Center. After retirement in 2002, he became a featured writer for the Gulf Coast Writers Association's publication, The Magnolia Quarterly, and his special work was exhibited at the well-known Walter Anderson Museum in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. His keen interest in southern history uncovered some true, but little known accounts of slaves who served in the Confederate Army. Though not an historian, he nevertheless passionately desired to tell their story of sacrifice and courage. Through this fictional account, these forgotten black Confederate soldiers will be remembered and honored through his book, “A Taste of Freedom”. Additionally, he published “The Hair of the Dog” in 2009, a story of a poignant journey through the voice of a down and out alcoholic. Tommie enjoyed spending time at the local YWCA and loved the outdoors. He took pride in being called a “beach bum” and loved living down the street from the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He truly enjoyed riding his bikes throughout Ocean Springs and/or various bike trails from Arkansas to Florida. Additionally, Tommie was the owner of Tommie’s Auto Detail where he specialized in cleaning headlights that were oxygenated. Also, Tommie enjoyed volunteering at the Sickle Cell Foundation of Tennessee’s annual Mark Walden 5K and Nashville 5K. He will be mourned by his son Trevor (Cherry) Thompson and daughters: Cherylle Marie Thompson and Traci C. Thompson. He also leaves behind his sisters: Barbara (Cliff) Waller and Gerri Eggleston. He was preceded in death by his father, mother and ex-wife, Edelle E. Thompson. He also leaves behind four grandchildren: Chad, Alexandria, Chynna and Trevor. He also leaves behind his nephews: Aaron, Darron, and Devin Waller, and a host of cousins and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in the memory of Tommie Thompson online at the Sickle Cell Foundation of Tennessee (www.sicklecelltn.org) or they can be mailed to the Sickle Cell Foundation of Tennessee, P.O. Box 242046, Memphis, Tennessee 38124-2046. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.