Richard Thompson

birthday.

Richard was born in Wilmington, NC and was a graduate of New Hanover High School,

attended Wilmington College, and received a degree from American Flyers. Richard also served

in the Navy.

As a lifelong pilot, Richard was an icon in the ILM aviation world. He began flying at the age of

11 and was still licensed at the time of his death. During his flying career, he held positions of

corporate pilot, flight instructor, director of the aviation program at Cape Fear Community

College, and FAA Safety Counselor for the Wilmington area. He also worked for several

concrete companies during his career.

In addition to his love of flying, Richard also enjoyed competition shooting, gun collecting,

welding, and spending time with his family. He was commonly known as a jack of all trades that

was always willing to help anyone anytime.

Richard was an active member of St. Matthews Lutheran Church for over 50 years, having

served as an usher and on the property committee.

Richard is survived by his wife of 50 years, Kay Thompson; his daughter Christi Monroe (Scott)

and son Jay Thompson (Laura); 5 grandchildren: Alex and Blaire Monroe, Jace, Linc, and Cruz

Thompson; sister Janis Milliken (John), brother Jimmy Thompson (Lona), sister-in-law Jean

Manley, a special niece Jennifer Sumner and her family (Scott, Haley, Ayden, and Bryce); along

with several more nieces, nephews, and special friends.

Richard was preceded in death by his mother Willadean Thompson and father Dr. GRC

Thompson II.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 1 at 2pm at St. Matthew’s Lutheran

Church in Wilmington, NC. His ashes will be placed in the St. Matthew’s memorial garden

directly following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, The Michael J. Fox

Foundation for Parkinson's Research, or a charity of your choice.