Charles Ray Thompson, Jr.

Charles Ray Thompson, Jr., 77, of Dinwiddie, Virginia, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2025. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and master tradesman, Charles lived a life defined by hard work, quiet strength, and deep love for his family.

Charles was born in Washington, D.C., on March 26, 1948, but he was raised in the mountains of West Virginia. It is there that he developed an early and lifelong passion for the outdoors. Hunting and fishing brought him joy throughout his life-whether in the woods or along a mountain stream, a quiet pond, or the open ocean, this is where he felt peace and enjoyment, within the tranquility.

Shortly after graduating from Matoaca High School in Chesterfield County, Charles enlisted in the United States Army. He proudly served with the HHC 3rd Support & Transportation Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, USAREUR, and was honorably discharged as a Private First Class. For his service during the Vietnam War era, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device.

Returning home from Vietnam, Charles took on a bread delivery route, a job that would unexpectedly shape the rest of his life. While making deliveries to a small family-run store in Burrowsville, he met a young woman named, Virginia Brockwell. Just two weeks later, he proposed to her at Maymont, beginning a beautiful love story that would span decades. Together, they built a home and raised five children.

Following those early years, Charles embarked on a distinguished 40+ year career as a skilled Welder and Pipe Fitter. He had completed formal training in Drafting and Blueprint at John Tyler Community College and became known for his precision and reliability while working in every phase of pipe fitting, welding fabrication, quality control, and supervision. Charles applied his expertise across many respected companies where his skill and dedication earned him the trust of every team he worked with. Charles retired after a fulfilling career at Four Square Industrial, where he worked alongside his son, Joseph. The company, a true second home, continues to thrive with both his son and grandson now carrying on his legacy.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Charles R. Thompson, Sr. and Pansy Thompson; his brother, Johnny Thompson; by his beloved wife of many years, Virginia Brockwell Thompson; their son, John D. Thompson; and most recently by his son-in-law, Lawrence "Lee" Coleman.

He is survived by his cherished children, Rebecca Coleman, Joseph Thompson, Sr. and wife, Lydia, Sarah Lassiter and husband, Shane, and Matthew Thompson and wife, Maddie. He also leaves behind his loving niece, Crystal Harrup and husband, Jonathan. Charles was a proud and loving grandfather to Isabella, Ryleigh, Josh, Sydney, Jay, Michael, Cole, Blakely, Charlie, Jayce, and Dane; and a great-grandfather to five adored great-grandchildren.

Charles will be remembered for his quiet integrity, deep devotion to his family, and a life lived with purpose. His legacy is one of strength, love, and quiet impact-and he will be deeply missed.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM, on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Petersburg Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home, 103 S. Adams St., Petersburg, Virginia. Interment will follow at 3:00 PM, at Martin's Brandon Episcopal Church Cemetery, 18706 James River Drive, Disputanta, VA 23842.