Ernest Bonham (Tommy) Thompson

FAIRHOPE, AL. Ernest Bonham (Tommy) Thompson, a native of Akron, Alabama, and longtime resident of Fairhope, returned home to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 29, 2012.  He was 88 years old.  Tommy was born at home in Hale County on October 17, 1923.  During World War II, he proudly served at Brookley Army Air Field in Mobile, where he met Bessie Katherine Garrick.  They married in Grove Hill, AL in 1949.  After serving out the remainder of his career at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX (1965-78), Tommy and Katherine returned home to Fairhope to enjoy a retirement filled with family, friends and golf.  They were longtime members of the First Baptist Church in Fairhope where he served faithfully as a Sunday School teacher and deacon.  He was an avid storyteller, singer of praise to the Lord, and supporter of the Alabama Crimson Tide.                     Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Herbert and Sara Ezra (Quarles) Thompson; his sister, Marjorie L. Thompson Wiggins of Moundville, Alabama; and brother, Richard N. Thompson of Tampa, Florida.     He is survived by Katherine, his wife of 62 years;  their children, Rebecca Lynn (Michael) Titford of Fairhope, and Michael David Thompson of San Antonio, TX;  grandchildren,  Zachary Alton Titford (Baltimore),  Kathryn Elizabeth Titford (Washington, D.C.),  Joshua William Titford (Fairhope), Colton Michael Thompson (San Antonio),  Payton Kathryn Thompson (Portland, OR), Nathan Michael Thompson (San Antonio); Brother-in Law Robert L. (Slick) Wiggins (Moundville, AL); Sister-in Law, Guelda S. Thompson (Tampa, FL), many beloved nieces and nephews; their children and grandchildren; as well as a loving Church family, close friends and wonderful neighbors.  The family expresses gratitude to Dr. Michael McBrearty, the staff of Thomas Hospital and Mercy Medical Home Health Care and Hospice.   The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Fairhope.  Dr. Jerry Henry and Rev. John Baldwin will co-officiate.  The family will receive friends at a reception in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the service.  Interment with family and close friends will follow at 6:00 p.m. at Memory Gardens of Fairhope.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Building Fund of First Baptist Church in Fairhope, or to their favorite charity serving the needs of the poor. ARRANGEMENTS BY WOLFE-BAYVIEW FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY, INC 19698 GREENO ROAD FAIRHOPE, AL 36532 (251) 990-7775