Born in Laurens County, he was a son of the late Luther Ira and Lillian Mae Sims Thompson. He was of the Baptist faith and was retired from the SC National Guard after 20 years of service and he served in the Korean War. He was also retired as a truck driver for Riegel Textile Co. and Smith and Waters.

Surviving in addition to his wife of the home are four daughters, Karolyn Calliham and husband Larry of Waterloo, Karon Hughes and husband Rick of Ware Shoals, Kemmy Hanley and Butch of Ware Shoals, and Ann Davenport Hurley and husband Marshall of Pelzer, a sister, Dorothy Cooper of Fountain Inn, twelve grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a son, Ken Thompson, Jr, a daughter, Nancy Davenport Hannah, five brothers, five sisters, and a grandson, Jonathan David Hannah.

Funeral services will be held 3PM Saturday, February 9, 2013, at Parker-White Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Marcus Bishop officiating. Burial will be held in Greenwood Memorial Gardens. The Grandchildren will be active pallbearers. Military honors will be held at the graveside.

The family will receive friends from 2-3PM on Saturday prior to the service at Parker-White. The family will be at the home of the daughter, Karon Hughes, 1415 Harmony Rd, Ware Shoals, SC, 29692. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Emerald Gardens, 201 Overland Dr., Greenwood, SC 29646, or Agape Hospice of Laurens, 420 West Farley Ave. Laurens, SC 29360. Online condolences may be made at www.ParkerWhitePruitt.com