Russell Thompson, Jr

WILSON - Russell Aubrey Thompson, Jr., born April 27, 1929, died January 8, 2016.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Muriel 'Sis' Hines Thompson; son, Philip Hines Thompson and his wife, Barksdale Spencer Thompson; granddaughters Sally Lawson Thompson, Sarah Thompson Ihnat and her husband, Mark, and Barksdale Thompson Matkins and her husband, Taylor; son, Hadley Barnes Thompson and his son, James Russell Thompson; great-grandchildren Molly Grace Ihnat and James Thompson Ihnat and brother, Samuel Griffin Thompson and his wife, Bonnie Raines Thompson and a special group of nieces, nephews and grand nieces whom Russell adored.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell Aubrey Thompson and Mildred Barnes Thompson, son, Russell Aubrey Thompson III, and brother John Thomas Barnes Thompson.

Russell was a proud 1951 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he was a member of Zeta Psi Fraternity. He proudly served his country in the US Navy after completing college. He retired from BB&T as a Senior Vice President concluding a 41-year career. During that time, Russell was a Director of the NC Symphony, a Director of the NC Aquarium Society in Raleigh, a Director of Project Uplift Incorporated (Early Childhood Initiative) in Greensboro, Treasurer of the NC Museum of History Associates in Raleigh, and was a Director of the NC Mental Health Board in Raleigh. He was a fundraiser for Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center in Chapel Hill, the American Heart Association's NC Chapter in Chapel Hill. Russell was the recipient of the "Order of the Longleaf Pine" Award given by Governor James Martin, the Wilson Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Citizen Award, and a Paul Harris Fellow.

Russell was a lifelong resident of Wilson and a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church. He served on many committees at the church and in the Wilson community, where he touched so many lives. Russell also was a past President and a Director of the Dunes Club in Atlantic Beach, NC.

Russell loved his family, his church, his Tar Heels, New York City, and his rocking chair on the porch of the family beach house in Morehead City. He was a true Southern gentleman who will be missed and remembered. A favorite belief is "when all is said and done, family is what really matters".

If you would care to honor Russell's memory please consider First United Methodist Church, PO Box 1423, Wilson, NC 27894 or any other charity.

Visitation Sunday afternoon, January 10th 4:00-6:00 at the family home at 2203 Sulgrave Drive, Wilson, NC 27896.

Funeral will be at 11 Monday morning, January 11th, at First United Methodist Church, Wilson.