Joseph Gray Thompson

ROCKY MOUNT – Joseph “Joe” Gray Thompson, age 77, passed away on Sunday, October 7, 2018. Born in Forsyth County, NC on June 3, 1941, he was the son of the late Rev. Foye Thompson and Hattie Childress Thompson. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Wilma Bolick and Mildred Womble; and brothers, Edmund Thompson, Harold Thompson, Bobby Thompson, and Lawrence Thompson.
Joe enjoyed singing gospel music and was a former choir director at Faith Baptist in Germantown, NC and Shenandoah Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, NC. He enjoyed umpiring baseball games and was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. Joe was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be dearly missed by all those who knew him.
Joe leaves behind to cherish his memory, wife of 38 years, Wanda Lee Welborn Thompson; son, Jeffrey Scott Thompson and wife, Laura, of Statesville; and daughter, Tara Thompson Vester and husband, Rodney, of Battleboro. He is also survived by grandchildren, Alexander Parks Thompson, Connor Scott Thompson, Elizabeth Rose Thompson, Nicholas Alan Vester, Caitlyn Leigh Vester, and Peyton Savannah Vester; sister, Brenda Smothers of Kernersville; and several nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, October 11, 2018 at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Pastor Tim Parker officiating. Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. Visitation with the family will be from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made Shenandoah Baptist Church, 3894 Shenandoah Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27803.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.