Stuart Arthur Thompson

Reverend Stuart A. Thompson went peacefully to the Lord in the company of his beloved wife and faithful, furry best friend on Monday, January 6, 2025. Stuart’s heart, as expansive as the yard he loved to tend, radiated joy and compassion.

A Baptist minister by both vocation and calling, Stuart served many churches in South Carolina and North Carolina including First Baptist Church, Cary, NC; St. Andrews Baptist Church; Lexington Baptist Church; and Park Street Baptist Church. In various stages of his career, he served as Minister of Music, Senior Adult Pastor, and Minister of Youth. With his thoughtful kindness and encouragement, he had a gift for making people want to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. His ministry was to love as God loves, and he served well.

The center of Stuart’s heart was an enduring love for Claire, his wife of nearly 60 years. Together, they built a life filled with shared laughter, countless adventures, and a deep inspiring affection that was a testament to partnership, devotion, service, and joy. Their love is a steady North Star, always inspiring their children and grandchildren. Nothing brought Stuart more joy than joining in the escapades of his scattered brood and enjoying tales of their adventures, achievements, and mischief. They’ll fondly miss his playful spirit and ever-present sense of fun.

A born talker and a gifted singer, Stuart never met a stranger – ever. A kind word followed by a dad joke always made an instant friend. He used his musical talent both publicly and privately, often giving concerts to friends in the hospital or home sick. A weekend handyman, he never met a DIY project he wouldn’t tackle, and he loved working in the yard. If “the earth laughs in flowers,” Stuart’s laughter must have made them bloom all the more.

Stuart is survived by his wife, Claire, and their children and grandchildren: Christina and Paul Howell with Olivia and Lila; Angie and Bill Neal with Sullivan and McKenzie; and Rob and Beth Thompson with Lily and Graham. He was preceded in death by his parents, E. Graham and Florence Thompson and brother, Marshall Thompson. He will be missed by his in-laws, Bobby and Gayle Davis, Jimmy and Joann Franklin, and Marli Thompson with their families, as well as by his chosen family, Craig and Jane Duensing, his innumerable friends, and his countless “church children” whom he loved, guided and supported over his many years in ministry.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, January 12th at Dunbar Funeral Home in Irmo from 4-6 pm. A celebration of the joy of his life will be held at Riverland Hills Baptist Church on Monday, January 13th at 11:00 AM.

In addition to customary remembrances, donations may be made to the following:

The SC Baptist Singing Churchmen.

Memorials to support Ministers of Music in South Carolina www.singingchurchmen.com/give (Send an email to [email protected] that your gift is a memorial) or by check to PO Box 173 Taylors, SC 29687.

Gideons International

5106 Two Notch Rd # B, Columbia, SC 29204 https://www.gideons.org/donate

District 5 Education Foundation https://www.district5foundation.org

P.O. Box 129, Ballentine, SC 29002

[email protected]

And if the spirit moves you, plant something in Stuart’s memory and think of him every time you hear a silly dad joke.