Steven Blair Thompson

Steven Blair Thompson, 66, passed suddenly on Thursday, April 21 at his home in Ashland, VA. Steve was born in Pikeville, KY on April 26, 1949. He was the son of James Madison Thompson and Josephine Ernette Blair Thompson. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Lauren Dabel Thompson, and two sons, Seth Blair Thompson (wife Beth Herbert) and Jacob Keifer Jacobs-Thompson (wife Elisa Jacobs-Thompson) and two granddaughters, Marlow and Sunny Blair Thompson. He is also survived by his beloved sister Jonellen "Jonny" Thompson Rolley Stevenson, his favorite niece Meghan Rolley Neville (husband Matthew Scott Neville) and great nieces and nephew Wynn, Macie, and Beckett Neville, and his mother-in-law Ione Dabel, and sister-in-law Antoinette "Toni" Jane Dabel. He was predeceased by Toni’s husband, his brother-in-law and dear friend, Darryl Lars Dabel. He was a proud graduate of the College of William and Mary and had various occupations. He worked his way through school as a waiter at Christiana Campbell's Tavern in Williamsburg, was a can collector, truck driver, combine operator, and a waterman on the Eastern Shore before settling into a career in recycling, working first for Reynolds Metals, and then as an independent consultant. Steve was passionate about many things. He loved his family, the water, making sawdust, reading poetry, ACC basketball, good music played loudly, dancing, free thinkers, good conversation, the Golden Rule, and great gas mileage. He spent many hours swinging a hammer and raising money for Habitat for Humanity both internationally and locally in Hanover. Steve also coached many seasons of Little League baseball, presided over the Gandy PTA, and led the Ashland Youth Soccer League, though he never understood the finer points of the game. He left just the way he would have liked, lightning fast, only twenty years too early. He will miss meeting his third grandchild arriving later this year, and the joy of watching all the grandchildren grow. Fortunately, his village is wonderful and wide, and his family will remain in good hands. A service in his memory will be held at 3:00 PM on Monday, April 25 at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center, 500 South Center Street in Ashland. In lieu of flowers, perform an act of kindness. Donations may be made to Hanover Habitat for Humanity or the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. "Let your last thinks all be thanks." - W.H. Auden