Carlie Thompson

Carlie Thompson, 78, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 1, 2012, at the home of his son in Shacklefords, Virginia. He was born on December 21, 1933 in Blacksnake, Kentucky to the late Arthur and Cornie Cowan Thompson. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his in-laws, Ed and Nell Clark, sisters Inez Howard, and Shirley Jackson, and a favorite uncle, Olen Cowan. He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Joyce C. Thompson of Arthur, Tennessee; three sons, Mark and wife Mary Thompson, Arthur, Tennessee, A. Scott and wife Nancy Thompson, Shacklefords, Virginia, and Chris and wife Candy Thompson, Oak Hill, West Virginia; six grandchildren, Lee and Cody Thompson, of Arthur, Emily and David Thompson, Steven and Brett Garris, Oak Hill, West Virginia; two brothers, Kendall Thompson, Pineville, and Lee Otis Thompson, Bowling Green, Kentucky; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

Mr. Thompson served in the US Army, receiving his basic training at the Quartermaster School, Ft. Lee, Virginia. He graduated from Bell County High School, Lincoln Memorial University and received his Masters in Education from Morehead State University.

Mr. Thompson was an educator for 52 years, teaching mathematics at Bell County High School from 1958 - 1985. During this time he also taught night classes for Cumberland College, Lincoln Memorial University, and Southeast Community College, Harlan. In 1985, he was appointed Off-Campus Coordinator for Southeast Community College and was instrumental in starting the Middlesboro campus with the first classes being held in a rented room of the First State Bank, Cumberland Avenue. Mr. Thompson assisted with the growth of the College and remained on the faculty achieving the position of Professor and retiring in 2010. Additionally, he was employed by the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, from the summer of 1966 thru the end of the season in 2008. He worked in the Ranger and Interpretive Division being assigned to duties at the campground, vehicle patrol, Hensley Settlement tours, and the Visitor Center. He was one of only a handful of people in the Southeast Region, National Park Service, which achieved 40 years as a seasonal ranger. He was a faithful member of Arthur United Methodist Church.

The family will receive friends 5 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, December 5 at Reece Funeral Home, 6340 Cumberland Gap Parkway, Harrogate, Tennessee. The funeral will be held at 8 p.m. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, December 6, at Hooper Cemetery, located near Underwood Grove Church, Cumberland Gap. Rev. Randall Wright and Rev. Richard Barnett will lead the services. Pallbearers: Bruce Kelley, Mike Swisher, Walter Whitaker, Dick McCammeron, Leon Miracle, and Lannie Bruce Cowan. Honorary Pallbearers: Joe Marcum, Jamey Vaught, Odell Wilson, Bob Thompson, R.J. Francisco, Jack Francisco, Clyde Mace, Kenneth Clark, Ray Cowan, and Astor Simpson.

The family would like to thank Carlie's caregivers Audra, Adrian, Jenny, Kendra of Amedisys, Mark Marsee, Kathy Smith, Diane Mace, and Tina Isbell, and his medical team of Dr. Efren Valencia, Middlesboro, Kentucky, Dr. Richard Grapski, Knoxville, Tennessee, and Dr. Marlene Capps, West Point, Virginia for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Arthur United Methodist Church, c/o Sue Wheatley, P.O. Box 66, Arthur, Tennessee 37707. Reece Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements 869 3651 or www.reecefh.com.