Thomas Junior Thompson

Thomas “Tommy” J. Thompson, 84, of Charlottesville, VA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 11, 2025. Born on June 13, 1941, in Nelson County, to the late Carrie Fitzgerald Thompson and Will Thomas Thompson. He is also preceded in death by his, two brothers, William Harrison “Bill” Smith, John Henry Smith and two sisters Carrie “Lou” Crickenberger and Mary Ella “Polly” Rentzel.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joyce A. Thompson and his daughters, S. Denise Thompson, and Shirley Wright (Mike), grandson, Casey Taylor (Ashling), his adopted granddaughter, Tiara Strait, as well as many friends, nieces, nephews and extended family members who affectionately knew him as, “Diddy”, Uncle Pete, PawPaw, and PopPop.

He was a graduate of The Miller School of Albemarle and retired from the U. S. Postal Service and City of Charlottesville.

Though he may not have liked being the center of attention, he deserves to have his long years of fatherly love honored. He was a man of many qualities such as integrity, endless kindness, generosity, and he left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. He leaves an indelible impression on those who call him dad, son, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin, friend, and mentor. His brilliant spirit, radiant smile, and compassionate heart captivated everyone who had the chance to know him.

His hobbies and interests helped define who he was. He enjoyed golfing, working in the yard, building things, painting pictures and helping anyone who needed him. He was truly the go to guy for many.

We find comfort in knowing that Dad's legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared, and the memories we will cherish forever.

The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, from 12:00-1:00 at Teague Funeral Service Chapel, 2260 Ivy Road, Charlottesville, VA.

A graveside service will be held following the visitation at 2:00pm at Holly Memorial Gardens, 3251 Seminole Trail, Charlottesville, VA with Pastor Lindsay Ellis officiating.

The service will be followed by a covered dish celebration of his exceptional life and legacy at the Earlysville Fire Department, 283 Reas Ford Road, Earlysville VA.

Should you wish to honor his memory, donations may be made in his honor to the Miller School of Albemarle, 1000 Samuel Miller Loop, Charlottesville, VA 22903.