His family’s hearts are overcome with emotion not only from the surprise of this loss, but with the thought of trying to express how deeply and tenderly he cared for them during his life…
Al was a GIVER. You could guarantee that any day of the week, he would have a smile on his face, a twinkle in his eye, and a toothpick in his mouth. He would drop everything to help you, and you could count on him bringing honest, wise advice that would somehow leave you feeling loved and laughing.
Everyone he met was a friend. You can only imagine how that kindness magnified with his own children and family… Al took care of everyone, from an early age, always working for and thinking of others. His decisions were considerate, wise and all about blessing the people he loved, especially his children. He ALWAYS put them first, almost impossibly the Best. Dad. Ever.
Al was born in Branford, Florida on July 17, 1934 to the late Ben & Estelle (Petty) Thompson.
He served his country in the U.S. Navy and lived his life full of faith.
Al met his wife, Elaine, visiting her coffee shop down the street from where he worked; now celebrating 51 years of marriage.
Al spent his life in the telephone industry, largely with Bell South, now AT&T. He began as an installer, then became a repairman, and grew to be entrusted with more and more special services due to his skills, eventually becoming the chosen expert to serve Martin-Marietta.
His skills followed him home as handyman--fixing everything, building new creations with wood, and tending to his beloved yard, filled with flowers and plants. He and Elaine focused on cultivating plants that drew butterflies as of late, for the delight of their sweet great-granddaughter.
Al has given us so much to celebrate, and we look forward to inviting you to a Memorial Celebration of His Life at Baldwin-Fairchild Oaklawn Funeral Home in Sanford, Florida as soon as that becomes possible.
In the meantime, Al’s admiring family will surround him with love at a private burial with Navy Honors at Oaklawn Cemetery.
He is preceded in death by his dear parents, and five beloved brothers.
Al is survived by his wife, W. Elaine Thompson; son, Gregg Thompson (Vania Thompson) and daughters, Jeanine Millard (Tim Millard), Dessie Thompson (George Davis), and Jama Jordan (Pat Jordan); grandchildren, Quinn Thompson, Krista Thompson, Cody Thompson, Brandon Millard, Dalton Millard, John Powell, Tae Dukes, Amy Jordan and James Jordan; great granddaughter, Rylan Dukes; sister, Dessie Sellers; and, an uncountable number of friends Al could not help but make wherever he went.
Condolences may be offered at www.baldwinfairchildoaklawn.com
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