Arthur Charles Thompson Jr.

Arthur Charles Thompson, Jr., “Art,” passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026, at Southminster in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was in the loving company of family, who enjoyed his signature sense of humor to the end.

Art was born in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in Port ashington, New York. He attended Cardinal Farley Military Academy in Rhinebeck, New York, and Paul D. Schreiber High School in Port Washington. He graduated from C.W. Post College with a degree in business administration in 1965. While there, he served as both Social Chairman of the college and President of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and was active in the one political club on campus.

While still in college, he met Katherine Frances Bannon, “Kate,” on a blind date. They were married for 48 years before her passing in March 2014. Soon after marrying in 1966, Art and Kate moved to Wurzburg, Germany where he served in the US Army supporting military intelligence. Their early years abroad sparked a lifelong love of travel, which they would later share with their children and grandchildren.

Upon returning from service overseas, Art began his illustrious career in the furniture business. From his start as a buyer for JC Penney, Art progressed rapidly in the industry, becoming the CEO of Lane Venture at the age of 44. He was a brilliant marketer, and he understood he was creating experiences, rather than products. Every detail, no matter how small, mattered. But people mattered the most. Art was known as an energetic, enthusiastic and visionary leader. His true passion was inspiring and developing his team and cultivating the next generation of talent. In 2009, Art received the ICFA Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the industry.

In retirement, Art loved serving as a mentor for students enrolled in Appalachian State University’s Entrepreneurship Program. He was proud to help young innovators develop their ideas into viable business ventures. His interest in people helped them recognize and nurture their particular gifts.

Art was an active member of the many communities in which he lived, making lifelong friends in New York, Virginia and North Carolina. At Hound Ears Club, Art was known for his dapper sense of style, his insistence on having the convertible top down regardless of the weather, and his legendary skills on the golf course. But nothing delighted him more than setting a beautiful table, preparing a delicious meal, and sharing it with the people he loved.

His friends will remember him for his warmth, his intelligence, his wit, his exceptional hospitality, his famous Irish coffees, and his passion. His family will remember his loving heart, his playful spirit, his affectionate nick names, and his devotion.

Art is survived by his daughter, Lauren (John), his son David (Lisa); his five grandchildren, Lizzie, Andrew, Millie, Charlie and Martha; and his sister, Mary. His beloved grandchildren are blessed with memories of their playful, loving and utterly adored “Atty.”

Lauren and David will host a celebration of Art’s life later this year.

Online condolences may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com