Bobby Ray Thompson

Bobby Ray Thompson was born in Houston, Texas on February 19, 1942, to the late Henry Thompson, Sr., and Beulah Clayborn Thompson. He was the fifth of seven children born to this union. The family moved to Saugus, California then eventually they moved to Los Angeles. Bobby professed Christ at an early age. He united with Mt. Carmel Holy Assembly Baptist Church under the late Rev. Albert Abney.

Bobby’s childhood developed into manhood; he met and married the love of his life Connie Rae Milligan, on August 13, 1960. To this union four children were born, Donna Lynn, Dionne Lestly, Danyel Lauren and Cory Ray. The family then united with Tree of Life Missionary Baptist Church under the late Rev. Billy Ray. There Bobby was ordained as a Deacon. The family then united with Mt. Herman Missionary Baptist Church under the late Rev. A.R. Billingley, and then Rev. Kenneth A. Hall, Sr. There he faithfully served on the Deacon Board.

At the age of nineteen Bobby started working at Parnelli Jones Firestone. He began as a tire installer, he then moved up to a brake installer, mechanic, service manager, then to owner manager. After Parnelli Jones Firestone Tires, Bobby went to work for Goodyear Tires, then to Just Tires, where he retired after 46 years of service in the automotive field.

Bobby enjoyed camping, fishing and spending time with family and close friends. His biggest job that he loved dearly was being a husband, father and grandfather. All of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren called him Paw-Paw.

In 1989 the family relocated to Moreno Valley, California where Bobby united with Park Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor L.E. Campbell. There he served on the Deacon Board, Trustee Board and the Layman’s Ministry.

On early Sunday morning March 9, 2025, surrounded by his family, Bobby answered the call to come home “Well done my good and faithful servant”. Bobby was proceeded in death by his parents Henry, Sr. and Beulah Thompson, sisters Gracie, Rosie and Olivia, brother Henry, Jr. and the love of his life Connie. Bobby leaves to celebrate his life, four children, daughters Donna, Dionne and Danyel and son Cory; three grandchildren, KaNisha La’Shawn and KeShawna La’Shanae (mother Donna); Jabari Malik (mother Dionne); two great-grandchildren Dae’Jhaun Mykel and Kayden LeeShawn (mother KaNisha); sister in-laws Essie of Compton, CA, and Sandy of Lake Elsinore, CA; brothers Thurman (Elaine) of Inglewood, CA and Lester (Arlene) of Murietta, CA; Keith Hillard (Donna’s life partner), lifelong friend and business partner Doug Wilson (Jerri) of Albuquerque, New Mexico and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.