Richard "Dick" Thompson

Richard Gill "Dick" Thompson, age 83, of Pine Bluff, died Wednesday, October 31, 2012. Dick was born September 9, 1929 in Shanghai, China where his father was serving in the United States Navy. He grew up in Little Rock where he played basketball and American League Baseball. A graduate of Louisiana State University, he attended with a baseball and basketball scholarship. His parents, William Bristol Thompson and Gladys Stranack Thompson predeceased him. After serving in the United States Air Force for two years, Dick played professional baseball in the Detroit Chain for two years, including time in Augusta, GA and Little Rock playing for the Arkansas Travelers. Dick moved to Pine Bluff in 1954, and worked for 29 years at Arkansas Mill Supply Company. He then worked at First Baptist Church as bookkeeper and activities director for a number of years prior to his retirement. He also was a Sunday school teacher for many years. He volunteered with numerous youth activities, including Little League baseball, serving as an umpire, the Pony Tail baseball league, and the Boy Scouts. Dick's survivors include his wife, Ann Sledge Thompson whom he married on November 7, 1952; three daughters, Katherine Thompson Stafford of Fayetteville, Jean Thompson Eubanks of Southaven, MS, and Sally Thompson Mukai (Craig) of Novato, CA; a brother, Will Thompson of Albuquerque, NM; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many loving friends. A Memorial Service will be Saturday, 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church with Rev. Gordon Topping officiating. Arrangements are by Fuller Hale-South Funeral Services. Visitation will be Friday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 6501 S. Hazel Street, Pine Bluff, Ark. 71603; or a The Salvation Army, Post Office Box 8209, Pine Bluff, Ark. 71611-8209. Online condolences: FullerFunerals.com.