William "David" Thompkins

William “David” Thompkins departed this world at the age of 83 on January 19, 2024, at his home in Maryville, TN, with his wife, Jerri, at his side.

Born July 7, 1940, in Conway, SC, David is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents William B. and Mattie K. Vereen; paternal grandparents Harmon D. and Mamie L. Thompkins; parents David Harmon and Ruby Geraldine V. Thompkins; and sister Betty Ann Woodham.

He is survived by his wife and best friend of 52+ years, Geraldine D. (Jerri) Thompkins; daughter Shannon Marie Demming and husband Arthur (Art), and their sons, Zachary and Amir Demming; son Nicholas Lamphere and wife Abigail; three great-grandsons Levi, Jacob, and Noah Lamphere; niece and husband, Wendy L. and Mark Cross; nephew William Jeffrey and wife Lillia Dunn; cousins too numerous to list, but especially Diane who was always there; the Davison clan; and the list is rounded out with very close family friend, Eva.

Along life’s journey, David spent four years in the pre-Vietnam era Navy as an E5. While assigned to the U.S. Naval Station in Rota, Spain for 28 months, he spent most of that time flying around the Mediterranean Sea as an enlisted aircrew member on Navy R4D(s). After his naval service, there was another seven years acquiring his BSEE and MBA degrees, followed by a 28-year career with the Department of Defense. Before he hung up his spurs, David had worked on 65+ military/government facilities (both U.S. and foreign) from California/Oregon to Italy/North Africa. He also counted, with a great deal of pride, his family members who served in American uniforms, from father, grandfather, aunts, uncles, to Brigadier General Peter Horry (American Revolution Associate of General Francis Marion, South Carolina Militia). 

David was a man of deep Christian faith who loved his Lord, family, fellow man, and country. He was also an organ donor.

He was an active member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church where he served as an usher, and of the Senior Men’s Sunday School Class where he served as a class officer.

The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to Dr. Kevin James and his staff at Blount Senior Care, and to Dr. Holcomb, Cardiologist, Dr. Ramos, Pulmonologist, and their staffs at Blount Memorial Hospital. The family is also most appreciative to the Health Care professionals they encountered – the compassion shown by Hospice, Jan, and Paramedic, D.L. Martin, are examples. Their actions remind us that God is at work in our world.

David’s Memorial and Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2pm on Friday, January 26, 2024, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 3736 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, TN, Reverend Greg Long officiating. Receiving of friends will be 1-2pm.

Any memorial contributions should be made to the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Building Fund or a charity of your choice.