Born in Stamford, CT, he was the son of Paul Arnold and Geneva Ann Thompson. He was a graduate of Lakeland High School in 1971 and attended Travis Vo-Tech. A mechanic by trade, he worked for several Honda motorcycle and Ford auto dealerships in Polk County.
He was a member of Faith Baptist Church, Winter Haven, FL. where he enjoyed volunteering to help with the Youth Ministry. He was fond of all things mechanical and is remembered as a motorcycle enthusiast and enjoyed restoring antique vehicles.
He is survived by wife, Brenda "Cissy" Thompson, daughter Christy Thompson of Lakeland, daughter April Mann (Nathan) of South Carolina, and son Robert "Bobby" Thompson (Lynn) of Virginia, 10 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sister, Paulette and brother, Billy.
The viewing will be held at Faith Baptist Church, Winter Haven, on Saturday, November 9th at 10am with a memorial service to follow at 11am. Internment will take place afterward at Glen Abbey Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: LifeChoice Pregnancy Center, 235 E. Central Avenue, Winter Haven, FL 33880.