Virgil Taylor Thompson Sr.

Mr. Thompson was born in Douglas County, Ga., to the late William Alexander and Flora Brewer Thompson. He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise Hay Thompson; daughter, Patricia Thompson; two brothers, Charlie and Cecil Thompson; as well as two sisters, Mable Riley and Jeannette Thompson Bundrum.

He was highly respected as a general contractor and will always be known and loved for his service as an umpire and referee. He volunteered at the softball venue in the 1996 Olympics, volunteered with the Douglas County Special Olympics Softball Team the “Blue Dragons” and volunteered as a fireman for the first volunteer fire department in Lithia Springs. He pulled football chains for the Douglas County High School football team and later Lithia Springs High School when it opened. Mr. Virgil took watermelons to LSHS Football Team at opening season and was fondly known as the “Watermelon Man”. He was instrumental in getting the football stadium constructed at LSHS. The stadium was dedicated to Mr. Thompson in the late 1980’s. Mr. Thompson’s umpire honors included National Indicator Association, Georgia ASA Hall of Honor, ASA District One Umpire Chief and his own umpire association for middle school which included Douglas County.

He is survived by his three daughters, Denel James and husband Dennis of Griffin; Phyliss Milner and husband, Andy of Douglasville; Paula Lyons and husband, David of Griffin; and one son Virgil Taylor Thompson, Jr. of Griffin. He is also survived by one brother, Max Thompson and wife, Barbara and one brother-in-law, Hugh Douglas Hay of Douglasville. Other survivors include grandchildren; TJ Hasty, Glen Hasty, Bridgette Holder and husband, Phillip; Michael James, Bryan James, Drew Milner, Patrick Hasty, Lauren James and Alex Hasty as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services for Mr. Virgil Taylor Thompson, Sr. will be conducted on Friday, July 27, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of County Line Baptist Church 1814 North County Line Road in Lithia Springs, GA. 30122. Rev. Jerry Adair with officiate. Interment will follow in Sunrise Memorial Gardens in Douglasville, GA. Visitation with the Thompson family will be held at Haisten McCullough Funeral Home on Thursday, July 26, 2012, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and again on Friday at County Line Baptist Church from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations may be directed to Griffin Area Resource Center, 931 Hamilton Boulevard, Griffin, GA 30223, to further support adults with developmental disabilities in memory of Mr. Thompson and in honor of his son Taylor.

Haisten McCullough Funeral Home, 1155, Everee Inn Road, Griffin, Georgia is in charge of the funeral arrangements.