David William Tompkins

The loving hand of God came down Saturday morning and took David home to Heaven at the age of 67. He lived his life and raised his family with his loving wife, Reneau by his side in Statesboro. Born May 22, 1949 in Electra, TX, his parents Reverend Warren and Bessie Tompkins raised him to have a sincere love for the Lord. On the day of his birth, there was a terrible storm raging. His mother was ushered to the hospital’s basement as the tornado alarms sounded David entered this world. At an early age of two weeks, his mother and daddy took him fishing and this joy continued throughout his entire life. He spent many wonderful hours on the Ogeechee River and the Savannah River, spending good times with family and friends. He loved the world God created, appreciating all that the Lord had given him and spent his life letting God’s light shine through him. In March of 1958, Reverend W. F. Tompkins was called to Bible Baptist Church in Statesboro where he served as pastor for 36 years. David grew up knowing and serving the Lord from a very young age. At the age of 15, he started leading the choir and congregation in singing and this continued throughout his life ending at Temple Baptist Church, where he served in many capacities, including being a deacon. David’s strong faith continued even in his long illness. In the same month and year that the Tompkins family moved to Statesboro, Reneau’s family moved to Statesboro as well. Their lives touched many times over the years, but in high school they really got to know one another and eventually fell in love. They married the year after graduation on January 10, 1971, because they just could not wait to start their life together. They celebrated everything and through David’s success at Liberty National Insurance Co., they enjoyed many trips and awards. Together they raised 3 children, Farris, who married Diana Currin; Luci, who married Chris Harvey of Hiawassee and Abbi who married Clay Barker of Suwannee. They were blessed with five grandchildren, Emerson and Olivia Tompkins and Emmaleigh, Annabelle and Sierra Harvey.

In addition to his immediate family, David is survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, David and Paulette Blankenship of Eastman; niece, Amanda Payne of Dublin; aunt, Mrs. Nell Hall of Green Cove Springs, FL and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

David was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Carroll and Mozelle Blankenship.

A gathering of family and friends will be held 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Tuesday, January 10, 2017 in Hodges-Moore Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, January 11, 2017 in Temple Baptist Church with Reverend Jim Creel officiating. Burial will follow in Bulloch Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Edward Thompson, Jack “Buddy” Brinson, Harvey Brannen, Randy Canady, James Harris and Keith Carr.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Marvin Pittman Class of 1967.

Please visit our online memorial at www.hodgesmoore.com to sign the guest book and share fond memories with the Tompkins family.

Hodges-Moore Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.