Richard Edward Thompson

Richard Edward Thompson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and mentor, passed away quietly on October 17, 2025, at the age of 79. Born on December 1, 1945, in Lumberton, North Carolina, Richard was the son of the late Cecil O. Thompson and Rebecca P. Thompson.

Richard's strong work ethic was forged in his youth, where he dedicated time to farming and dairy work to help support his family. From an early age, he learned valuable lessons about working with his hands and the importance of never being idle. Beneath his reserved exterior lay a steel-willed resolve to accomplish whatever task stood in front of him. At the age of 20, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and proudly served his country, completing his service time in Germany.

Richard was especially gifted with mechanics and maintained a lifelong love of cars and racing. This was his favorite pastime; he owned several drag racing and show cars over the years. Upon his retirement, you could almost always find him outside or in his garage tinkering with engines, restoring cars, and helping anyone who needed a hand with car repairs.

One of his greatest joys was teaching younger generations. Richard used his garage to teach immeasurable lessons, patiently instructing his children, grandchildren, and other young people. He taught them that fixing an engine required more than just skill with a wrench; it required patience, problem-solving, and attention to detail-lessons that applied equally to life itself. He loved watching a young person's face light up after they successfully diagnosed an issue or completed a complicated repair for the first time.

Richard was a dedicated professional truck driver until his retirement in 2014. He spent the majority of that time behind the wheel for Unisource in Henrico, VA. Richard truly loved trucking; it wasn't just a job but an adventure that allowed him to see a lot of the United States and satisfy his passion for meeting new folks along the way. He took pride in the independence of the road and kept his rigs running smoothly, blending his professional dedication with his lifelong mechanical aptitude.

He was a devoted and loving husband to his wife of 31 years, Brenda Thompson. Together, they built a steadfast life centered on their family, ensuring their home was always a safe harbor filled with unconditional love. Brenda was Richard's unwavering rock, supporting his passions and standing beside him through every challenge and triumph. Their enduring partnership was a testament to commitment, loyalty, and a deep, quiet respect.

Richard was a devoted and loving father to his two daughters, Jacqueline "Jackie" Emmert and Angela "Nikki" Thompson. They dearly miss him and the essential life lessons he imparted, which included always doing what you say you will do and treating others how you would like to be treated. Richard took great pride in being a parent, especially teaching his girls to be independent and able to accomplish things on their own.

He is survived by his seven cherished grandchildren, Donald Sloan II and his fiancée, Brooke Harris, of Hopewell, Zachary Sloan and his wife, Nicole, of St. Hedwig, TX, Mackenzie Dawson, Rhiannon Emmert, Riley Dawson, Jacob Emmert, and Michael A. Dawson, all of Hopewell. Richard was also delighted to be a great-grandfather to Emberleigh Sloan and Isabelle Sloan, of Hopewell, and Richard and Charlotte Sloan, of St. Hedwig, TX.

Richard leaves behind his brothers, Cecil D. Thompson, of North Carolina, and Odis D. Thompson, of Prince George, VA; and one sister, Nancy C. Thompson, of Prince George, VA; as well as many caring nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, James Thompson and Nash Thompson.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 1:00 PM, at the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. The funeral service will immediately follow at 2:00 PM. Interment will take place afterward at Merchants Hope Memorial Gardens and Mausoleum, 11302 Merchants Hope Road, Hopewell, VA.