Frederick Henderson Thompson

Frederick (Fred) Henderson Thompson passed away in his home on June 21, 2016 from complications related to lung cancer. Fred was born on May 13, 1943, in Jackson, Mississippi. He was the only child of Zachary Henderson Thompson and Theresa P Letwinger. He attended Jackson Public Schools and graduated from Murrah High School in 1961. Fred attended the University of Mississippi where he was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. While in college, Fred's father passed away and Fred returned home to run the family business. Fred owned and operated Patton Publishing for over 40 years.

When Fred was not operating a printing press, he could usually be found under a hood. If it had an engine, Fred couldn't leave it alone. If 300 horsepower was good, 400 was better. His passion for cars and mechanics led him to racing. In his twenties he raced his #29 Corvette at tracks all over the country including Daytona. Fred settled down when he met his wife of 42 years, Mittie Elizabeth (Liz) Welty. Even though he gave up racing to start a family, Fred's love for automobiles never waned. He was constantly involved in some sort of project involving a car, boat, or motorcycle.

In addition to enjoying automobiles, Fred was an avid sportsman. He loved hunting and fishing almost as much as cars. Fred's Thanksgiving dinner was generally digested during the drive to Kingspoint Island in a rush to start a long weekend of deer hunting.

Although Fred endured many illnesses throughout his life, he never stayed down long. In addition to several spinal surgeries, he was a three time cancer survivor. With the help of his wife, Liz, he always bounced back. The greatest challenge of his life came when Liz was diagnosed with ALS in 2011. The wife who had nursed him back to health for the last 40 years was now the one battling illness. Despite the limitations of his own body, Fred provided superior care for his ailing wife until her death in 2012.

Fred was blessed with a tremendous group of friends and neighbors. Whether decades old or newly formed, Fred's friendships were remarkably deep. Fred was genuine and loyal. His personality was so strong it compelled others to treat him in kind. He would do anything for a friend, and they in return would do anything for him.

Fred gave everything he had to all aspects of his life. He loved his family with his whole heart. His friendships were deep and strong. He had a work ethic second to none. He was dedicated, determined, loyal, and dependable. No one ever had a better husband, father, grandfather or friend than Fred Thompson.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents as well as his wife Liz. He is survived by his daughter Leslie Jacobs and her husband Michael Jacobs, of Madison; Son Zach Thompson, his wife Crystal Thompson, and their daughters Emily Elizabeth Thompson and Natalie Bond Thompson, all of Madison.

Visitation will be on Friday, June 24, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, June 25, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Parkway Funeral Home, 1161 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS. The funeral will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 25 at Parkway Funeral Home. Sammy Wheeler, Shaun Conerly, Toby Gatewood, Jerry Farris, Johnny Barlow, Larry Lowery, Randy Bessonette, Eddie Johnson, Dicky Edmons, Rock Fulgham, Jimmy Pinnix, George Becker will serve as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the ALS Association, Hospice Ministries, or to the charity of your choice.