Stephen Orie Thompson

The world became a lot dimmer on February 20th, 2024, when Stephen Orie Thompson left this earthly world to shine his bright light in heaven. He took such delight in sharing his passion for decorating with Christmas lights and playing Santa for everyone. He will be so missed by many that drove miles just to see them. He was born in Memphis, Tennessee to Alton William Thompson and Jane Fryman Thompson, both deceased now, on June 21st, 1958. Raised in Milpitas, California, then moved to Wilmington, NC in the 9th grade after his father’s retirement from the Navy. Graduated from JT Hoggard High School where he excelled in ROTC, later attended The Citadel and UNCW. He started his own very successful business S&R Packing and Crating 38 years ago. He has crated and shipped worldwide everything imaginable with the goal of always giving the best customer service possible.

Steve is survived by his wife Donna Moore Thompson, his daughter, Stephanie King, her husband, Tony King, grandsons Luke and Eli King, stepchildren Taylor and Charles Anderson, and brother Alton Thompson. Steve also leaves behind many, many friends and customers. He was a great neighbor, President of his HOA for many years going above and beyond, a great dance daddy, cooking for those dance families at competitions where no restaurants were close by, and traveling to all the competitions and sporting events the kids were in. He served as the Treasurer of the State Ports Advisory Council for many years. He loved to throw a party! His Fourth of July and Christmas parties were always the best! Steve loved to travel, Greece, Venice, Croatia, Turkey, London, Hawaii, Paris, Alaska are just a few places. He delighted in surprising many friends with flocking their yards with pink flamingos on special birthdays. He will be missed by many. But he lived life with full gusto!

The funeral will be at Calvary Baptist Church, 423 N. 23rd St. on Monday, February 26th, 2024, visitation at 1pm, and funeral at 2pm. A celebration of life will be held at the Thompson home on Sunday, February 25th from 3-6pm for close family and friends.

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