Sam Thompson

Sam Thompson Jr., known amongst family as 'Uncle !lucky" was horn December 28, 1941 in Batesville, Mississippi, to the union of Daisy and Sam Thompson, Sr. The tightknit family welcomed Sam Jr. one year after sister Barbara and two years before brother, Robert.

At a young age Sam and his family moved to Marks, Mississippi where at the age ten he would meet eight-year-old Evelyn Baker and a friendship for the ages was forged.

After high school, the family relocated to Los Angeles, CA where Sam joined the US Navy. Following his honorable discharge Sam traveled to Marks, reconnecting with his childhood sweetheart Evelyn. The two returned, married and together raised one son, Michael, making Los Angeles their home for more than 40 years. As had been true for Sam growing up, his own family of three remained incredibly tightknit with father and son speaking nearly every day.

Sam had many interests, including hunting and fishing. He was also a phenomenal pit master, with superb barbecue and grill skills. With a natural aptitude for understanding how things worked, Sam could always be relied on, despite working long hours, to help family or friends make repairs and fix broken items. Sam’s upbeat and positive and could be counted on for wise advice and encouragement.

Early on, while working at Lockheed Aircraft, Sam met his lifelong friend, Ernie Leopold. The two would share many adventures and could always be found laughing it up and reminiscing at any gathering.

Sam went on to drive eighteen wheelers for more than forty years until he and Evelyn, partially retiring to Las Vegas in 2004. Known for his strong work ethic and inability to remain idle, Sam started a new part-time career with Avis and continued working until 2020.

On his off-time Sam enjoyed the local casinos. buffets and kicking back in his armchair enjoying

cowboy westerns.

On Sunday, June 27, Sam slipped away peacefully leaving a hole in our hearts. He leaves a legacy of love including devoted wife Evelyn of fifty-six years, son Michael, grandson, Darrien, sister, Barbara (Otis) Kemp, brother-in-law Willie (Jewel) Baker and sister-in-law Irene Baker. Sam was preceded in death by parents, Daisy and Sam Thompson Sr, brother Robert (Irma) Thompson, sisters Dorothy (George) Grisby, Vernell Townsend, daughter-in-law Suzette Thompson. and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.