Richard Smith "Dick" Thompson

Born March 30, 1938, in Fargo, North Dakota, to Charles Thompson and Esther Lanier, both deceased, Dick was predeceased by his beloved sister, Joanne Thompson McMullen.

He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 65 years, Martha Fridy Thompson; his children, Drew Thompson and Beth Dunaway, and his son-in-law Craig; his six cherished grandchildren, Sarah Shingleton (Matt), Emily Goff (Zach), Kelly Black (Preston), Grey Thompson, Emma Thompson, and Hunter Thompson; and five precious great-grandchildren.

Dick graduated from The Citadel in 1961, earned a master’s degree from the University of South Carolina, and went on to serve in the Army Reserves. His professional life began in human resources with Belk Department Store before he joined Lexington School District One, where he worked to meet the educational needs of Lexington County.

A true servant at heart, Dick gave generously of his time and spirit. He was an active member of the Rotary Club of Lexington, the recipient of the Paul Harris award, the Lexington Cotillion, and a faithful presence at Union United Methodist Church in Irmo and later Mt. Horeb Methodist Church in Lexington. He devoted countless hours to the 10-10 Bridge mentoring program and the Men’s Prayer Breakfast each Friday morning. Through Kairos Prison Ministry, he spent many weekends behind prison walls, sharing God’s love with those who needed it most.

More than anything, Dick’s greatest joy was his life with Martha. Together they could often be found boating on Lake Murray, where they resided for 31 years. They also enjoyed years of tennis, and hiking the trails around Lake Junaluska in the mountains of western North Carolina, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the warmth of extended family, which included his in-laws, Wally Fridy (Dorene), Prentice Weldon (Bill), and Betty Hopkins (Rob).

Dick will be deeply missed, yet forever remembered as a gentle, creative, and loving soul who brightened the lives of everyone he met. Friends and family will especially treasure the thoughtful cartoon drawings he so often created and gifted to many friends and family members.

A visitation will be held at Mt. Horeb Church, 1205 Old Cherokee Rd, Lexington, SC 29072 on October 29th, 2026 at 12:30 p.m., with a celebration of life following at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kairos Prison Ministry at Mt Horeb Church.