George Rossie Thompson

“Rossie,” as known by most family and friends was born March 27th, 1945 in Bertie County, NC; the son of the late Narva and Lillian Johnson. In 1954, he was adopted by George Rossie Thompson, Sr. and Della Blanche Thompson and resided in Wilmington, NC.

Rossie joined the United States Marine Corps in 1962, and after completion of Basic Training at the Marine Corp Recruit Depot Parris Island, SC, he was stationed at Camp Lejeune, Jacksonville, NC serving as a Welder. In 1963, he married his childhood sweetheart, Roberta Louise Carter of Wilmington, NC.

Rossie was deployed to Okinawa and later to Vietnam. He received the Combat Action Ribbon for his service in Vietnam. Additionally, he received the Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and was awarded the Rifle Expert Badge. He returned to the United States in 1965 to the Marine Corps Air Station in Beaufort, SC. Rossie became a father in 1966 to twins, Gregory Reid Thompson and Rebecca Lynn Thompson. After an Honorable Discharge as a Sergeant, he returned to Wilmington, NC and was employed as a Welder for Babcock and Wilcox. He later worked for DuPont Industries as an Industrial Mechanic and First Line Supervisor.

Rossie enjoyed the coastal life of Wilmington and could be found fishing for Spots, Blues, or gigging Flounder many weekends. He also enjoyed raising Quarter Horses and had a small 2-acre farm on Eastwood Road. He was a member of the Seagate Saddle Club for many years and participated in Barrel Racing and riding in the Azalea Festival Parade.  In 1973, Rossie started his own construction business as a licensed contractor in residential building. He built many homes in the Wrightsville Beach and Wilmington areas. Later, sharing his knowledge of construction and building, he worked for New Hanover County as a Building Inspector and retired from this position after 17 years.

In 1986, Rossie and Roberta moved to Currie, NC where he built their home and started farming hay and raising beef cattle. Rossie enjoyed farming and caring for his animals and found peace on the farm he named Cedar Grove.

Surviving Rossie are his wife of 60 years, Roberta Carter Thompson; son, Gregory Thompson (wife, Lisa Adams); daughter, Rebecca Pendergast (husband, John Pendergast) and grandchildren, Audrey Thompson, Morgan Thompson, Garrett Thompson, Reese Thompson, Jack Pendergast, and Katie Pendergast Jessen (husband, Isaac Jessen). Also surviving are his sisters Alice Wymer (husband, Bill) and Virginia Thompson.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, May 26, 2023 at Andrews Mortuary Market Street Chapel with a visitation starting one hour prior. Interment will follow in Currie, NC at the Thompson Family Cemetery.

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