Jasper C. Thompson

Smithville – Jasper C. Thompson, 83, passed away on Wednesday, December 2, 2015, at his residence. Born on February 26, 1932, in Bessemer, AL, he was a son of the late Riley Norb and Annie Mae Webb Thompson.

Jasper attended Tremont High School. In 1952, he joined the US Army and during his 12 years of service, he worked with Dr. Von Braun, a German physicist, on the Redstone Missile Development. Upon returning home, he joined the US Army National Guard in Amory and retired as a Staff Sergeant in 1992. He gave 40 years of service to his Country and was a member of the DAV. On August 6, 1955, he married Betty A. Ford. In the late 1970’s, Jasper taught welding and machinery at IJC. He had also worked at Kramco as a troubleshooter in quality assurance, worked for Super Sagless and True Temper, and had served as a Smithville policeman. His last place of work was The Mini-Mall in downtown Amory. A jack-of-all-trades who was gifted in being able to fix anything, a grandson called him “The Fix-It Man.”

A man of strong faith, he was an active member of Smithville United Methodist Church, having served as a Sunday school teacher and enjoyed cooking for the Smithville UMC Men’s Club. Later in life, he devoted himself to being a student of the Word. An honest man with an incredible work ethic, Jasper was a great gentleman who never met a stranger. As a provider, he supported his mother and sisters after his father died early in life. In addition to his faith, his life’s focus was his family. Passionate about his grandchildren, Jasper loved getting together during the holidays, especially at Thanksgiving and Christmas. An excellent cook, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, drinking coffee, and junking. His favorite music was Bluegrass and Old hymns. One who was hilarious and loved to laugh, he was often seen swapping tales with his close friends, James Burrow and Dudley Pearce.

Survivors include his wife, best friend, and soulmate of 60 years, Betty A. Thompson, Smithville; daughters, ShaLayne Weir (Tim), Meridian, Sandi Roberts (Tommy), Smithville, Dana Copeland (Sammy), Greenwood Springs, and P. J. Fikes (Mike), Fulton; step-daughter, Debra Harrison (Stennis), Fulton; sister, Blanche Hale, Byhalia; grandchildren, Jessica, Jared, Trey, Tori, Ryan, Katie, Carrie, Bubba, Josh, Tommy, and Tiffany; 14 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; a host of well loved nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 4 sisters, Vernice Horton, Gloria Kiefer, Sandy Beasley, and Clemmie Ruth Thompson.

His Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM, Friday, December 4, 2015, at the Smithville Chapel of E. E. Pickle Funeral Home with Bro. Charles Coggins officiating and Dewey Hannon doing his eulogy. Burial will follow in Young Memorial Garden. Pallbearers will be Bobby Harper, Ricky Ford, Phil Goodwin, Donald Ray Vandiver, Dudley Pierce, and Don Barnes. Honorary pallbearers will be Smithville United Methodist Men’s Club.

Visitation will be from 5 – 8 PM, Thursday, at the Smithville Chapel.

Memorials may be given to Smithville UMC, c/o Caroline Barnes, 60027 Gap Rd., Smithville, MS 38870.

Memories and condolences may be shared with his family at EEPickleFuneralHome.com.