Walton Thompson

RALEIGH - Walton R. Thompson, 86, of Abbottswood Retirement Community, died June 26, 2008. He was a native of Wilson County and preceded in death by a daughter, Kent T. Baumann: parents, James H. and Sallie Bass Thompson: sister, Faye Williams: brother, Joe Thompson: half-sisters, Grace Raper, Ruby Proctor and Pattie Morgan: half-brother, Clement Lucas. Walton graduated from NC State University with a degree in Horticulture and Floriculture. Upon graduation, he taught one year there. During World War II, he rose to the rank of Captain in the Army while serving in the 100th Infantry Division, 398th Regiment, and was awarded the Silver Star. He retired in 1990 as Executive Vice-President of Creative Marketing Concepts having been a co-founder and part owner. While in the Asian headquarters of Concept in Hong Kong, he was known as the 'father of silk flowers' which was the beginning of a new concept. Funeral, Sunday, June 29, 3 PM, Benson Memorial United Methodist Church, 4676 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh, following by a time of sharing and visiting. Interment, Monday, 11 AM, Black Creek Cemetery, off Highway 264, exit 46, in Wilson County. Surviving is his wife, Jonnie Faye Barnes Thompson, a native of Wilson County: son, Steven R. Thompson (Debra) of Pasadena, CA: sister, Marjorie Warren of Roseboro: sister-in-law, Becky Townsend (Jack) of Wilson. Memorials may be sent to the Benson Memorial United Methodist Church, 4676 Creedmoor Rd, Raleigh, NC 27612. of Pasadena, CA; sister, Marjorie Warren of Roseboro; sister-in-law, Becky Townsend