Traftin E. Thompson, Sr.

Traftin Edwin Thompson, Sr. was born November 30, 1948 to the union of Semon F. Thompson, Sr. and E.C. Morris Thompson in Little Rock, AR. Traftin was one of six children and was preceded in death by both parents and his older sister, Bobbie Jean.

Traftin grew up attending Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Little Rock, where he initially accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.

It was in Little Rock where Traftin married the love of his life, Tommye Maria Bridgewater, on December 20, 1968 and remained devoted to her until his last day. To this union was born Traftin E. Thompson, Jr.

Traftin was a US Army Vietnam era veteran. His talents allowed him to have successful, diverse work experiences ranging from being an Arkansas State Trooper, to numerous years with Transkrit Printing Corporation and Kraft Foods. His entrepreneurial spirit coupled with Tommye’s passion for fashion contributed to them establishing and operating Mrs. T’s Hats & Fashions for over 7 years. Traftin even found time to sharpen his acting chops as he starred alongside Denzel Washington (for 9 seconds) as a Military Police Officer in the movie “A Soldier’s Story”!

Traftin loved the Lord and his family and had a contagious sense of humor. He faithfully served Mt. Zion CME Church in many leadership capacities and recently joined the Mulberry Church of Christ where he and Tommye reaffirmed their acceptance of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Traftin will be sorely missed by those that remain to cherish his memory, including his wife Tommye, son Traftin, Jr. (Marisa), two grandchildren, Miguel and Mariah, two brothers, Frank (Deborah) Thompson, Morris (Minnie) Thompson, two sisters GraCetta Thompson and Pinkie Thompson as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Homegoing services will be conducted as follows: Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, April 9, 2015, from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM at Edwards Funeral Home in Fort Smith. Funeral Service will be 11:00 AM Friday, April 10, 2015, at Mulberry Church of Christ, 2304 Keystone Circle, Mulberry, AR under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Burial will be in U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith. Online condolences may be sent to www.edwardsfuneralhome.com