Ellis Thompson went to his heavenly home on July 26, 2021. He was born in Forest Home, Alabama to Nanny Gray and Herman Thompson on May 8, 1927. He moved to Beaumont, Texas as a young man with his mother and sisters, Doris and Grace. Ellis enlisted in the Army in 1946 as a medic, and also served in the Merchant Marines. He married the love of his life, O’Neida Faye Haney, on November 20, 1949. Ellis and O’Neida were blessed with three children, Cathy, Craig, and Jeff. With the help of his wife, Ellis opened Thompson Air Conditioning and Refrigeration in the early 1950s and continued to work into his 80s. He also taught at Lamar University Technical Arts Department for many years.
Ellis was a faithful member of North Baptist Church for over 60 years and also served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher. Ellis had a kind, generous, fun-loving, charismatic personality. He enjoyed time with his family and especially enjoyed playing 42 with numerous church friends. He will be missed by those who knew him.
Ellis is preceded in death by his parents Herman and Nanny Gray Thompson, sister, Doris Day,
his wife, O’Neida Haney, and son,Jeff Thompson.
Ellis is survived by his sister, Grace Picard of Beaumont, TX; daughter, Cathy Burrow and husband Allen of Burleson, TX; son, Craig Thompson and wife, Marlene of Leander, TX; grandson, Tate Burrow of Roanoke, TX; granddaughter, Jessica Kennedy and husband John of Burleson,TX; and grandson, Ryan Thompson and wife Jasmine of Leander,TX. Ellis is also survived by six great grandsons and many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Ellis' life will be held Monday, August 2, at 10 am in the chapel at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, located at 4955 Pine St in Beaumont, Texas, with his burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Panel Garden.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Alzheimer’s Association, Hospice Care, or a charity of your choice.
