Rufus Franklin Thompson

He was born in Mabank, Texas on December 10, 1927 at his family home. He was raised in the counties of Henderson and Van Zandt. Jim attended school until the eighth grade, at which time he had to quit his schooling and take a job to help support his younger siblings. Other than Jim or Junior, he also had the nickname of Elvis because of his jet black hair. He became a Corporal in the Army Air Force in the WWII/Korean war era, where he served as an aero mechanic.

On June 30, he married his sweetheart Annie F. Jones of Mabank. They moved to Dallas shortly after where they quickly began to extend their family. They bought several houses over the years, one in which they raised their four children. He worked as an aero mechanic for Southwest Airlines, then transitioned to automotive where he supported his family of six. He also was a licensed Real Estate Broker.

When he was not working, he took his family to church every time the door was opened... He was a deacon at the church and also enjoyed fishing, gardening, spending time with his wife, children, lunching with his siblings and witnessing for the Lord, Jesus Christ. He was also seen trying to convert a couple of Muslims.

He also had his own full-service Phillips 66 gas station at one point, helped anyone in need, mowed some of his neighbors' yards that were unable to do themselves, did the neighborhood alley for all of them and for years took care of the church lawns as well as his widowed sister-in-laws and a niece or two. He was a problem solver, engineering things, was able to care for his wife and personal business almost to the end.

He will be remembered for his big smile, friendly nature, plentiful patience and as a hard-working man. He was a most loved and awesome father and sweetheart to his wife Annie of 72+ years. There were at least three individuals who told him that he was the most Christ-like man they had ever met, I don't believe I have ever heard a higher compliment. We, Annie and their children were so undeservingly blessed and honored to have him.

He was preceded in death by is Father Rufus, Sr.; his mother Vera Mae Groom Thompson; His brothers Horace, Willard, Joe and Randall Thompson; His sisters Nadine Hudspeth, Nelda Worth, Linda Taylor, and a stillborn sister named Melba Thompson; Sadly, his daughter Sabrina Thompson; nephew Allen Thompson; and nieces Gwin Hudspeth, Pate, Phyllis Thompson Powell, Tanya Thompson Delgado and Vicka Hudspeth Payne. Also, last week he lost his dear brother-in-law, Kenneth Ferris who lived to be 103 & 10 months old.

He was survived by Annie Thompson, his wife of 72+ years; his son Dennis Thompson; his daughters Debbie Thompson Coker and Sandy Thompson; Five grandchildren, Marissa Mills, Stephanie Thompson Howard and her husband Tim Howard, Ashley Coker Eads and her husband Jerry Eads, Jeremy Coker and his wife Cassie Coker, Nathaniel Thompson and his wife Amanda Thompson; Twelve Great grandchildren, Cody Tool, Cade Fite, Cain Fite, Logan Coker, Samantha Busby, Levi Eads, Caleb Busby, Ashlyn Eads, Grayson Coker, Derick Thompson, Sophie Thompson and Hayden Coker; Two Great great-grandchildren, Olivia Tool and Lydia Fite; additionally, a few cousins remain, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.