Gary Alston Thompson, Sr., 74, of Franklin, WV passed away on Monday, December 23, 2024, at INOVA Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, Virginia, surrounded by his family.

He was born December 14, 1950 in Petersburg, WV to the late Alston Hansel Thompson and Teretha Virginia (Warner) Thompson.

He graduated from Franklin High School in 1968.  After high school, he went to Potomac State College, and later moved to Maryland to begin life in the workforce.  Gary worked at Sew Vac. and Solon Automated Services and retired from General Electric.

In 1980, Gary met Janie (Lagana) Thompson, later marrying on August 23, 1982.

Gary and Janie went on to share four children, all surviving –

Jeromy Thompson (Lisa) of Upper Tract, WV

Stanley (Teddy) Kaminski, Jr. of California, MD

Stephan Kaminski (Kelly) of Mechanicsville, MD

Gary Alston Thompson, Jr. of California, MD

He is also survived by one sister –

Mary Radcliffe of Dayton, VA

One brother –

Harry (Linda) Vandevander of McGaheysville, VA

Twelve Grandchildren

Seven Great-Grandchildren

And Three Bonus Grandchildren

He was predeceased by a son, Patrick Keith Thompson.

In 2012, he retired and spent his time laughing by his wife's side.  He enjoyed playing horseshoes, hunting, fishing, and family parties in the garage that he happened to have built.

Gary was a person with an extensive caring heart and the warmest bear-like hugs.  He will be deeply missed by his fur babies:  Baby, Domino, Marmalade, his most recent save, Chloe and the 25+ outside cats and kittens.  May he rest in peace alongside his parents, Patches and past family and friends.

The family will welcome friends from 1:00 – 2:00 PM on Sunday, December 29 at Kimble Funeral Home where a service will be held at 2:00 PM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Steve Teter officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to PAWS (an animal shelter in Gary's hometown), P. O. Box 804, Franklin, West Virginia 26807.