Ernest P. Thompson

Ernest P. Thompson – aged 89, born in Goodwater, Alabama and a longtime resident of Mobile, died peacefully on January 28, 2012. He was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings. Mr. Thompson is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sarah V. Thompson, his son, Barry L. Thompson, daughter-in-law, Denise I. Littleton, and two grandsons, Tyler L. Thompson and James Ryan Thompson. He was a pilot in the U.S. Air Force in World War II and continued to serve in the Air Force Reserve for three decades longer before retiring with the rank of major. Mr. Thompson held an undergraduate degree from Alabama Polytechnic Institute and a Master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Auburn University. He was employed for twenty years in the aerospace program at Hayes International in Birmingham. He then worked for the Southern Company as a licensed professional engineer until his retirement in 1987. He was active in many civic groups, primarily the Birmingham Area Boy Scout Council. He served for several years as an usher for the Alabama football games at Legion Field. Following his retirement and relocation to Mobile, Mr. Thompson actively participated in the Azalea City Kiwanis Club and the Alabama Power Company Energizers. He was a loving husband, a doting father and grandfather and a selfless donor of his time to many other charitable organizations. Mr. Thompson instilled in his family a strong belief in the value of education and hard work. In lieu of flowers, Mrs. Thompson requests donations be made to the Fulton Road Baptist Church, 1800 Dauphin Island Parkway in Mobile where the family’s longtime friend, Mr. Artie Burroughs, serves as pastor. The family will receive friends at Radney Funeral Home on Dauphin Street on Wednesday, February 1, 2012, from 8:30 a.m. until the 9:30 a.m. chapel service. A graveside service and interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Sylacauga, Alabama at 3 p.m. Arrangements under the direction of Radney Funeral Home-Mobile, Mobile, AL.