Jerry Thompson

Born in Cincinnati, OH to William Nelson Thompson and Reba Florey Thompson. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Clarene Thompson Taylor and niece Judy Hendrixson Gamble.

Survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Jeannie Welz Thompson, daughter Amy Thompson Riley, son Marc William Thompson, daughter in law, Marcia Stewart Thompson and his beloved grandchildren Hailey, Douglas and Everett Thompson. Sister Helen Thompson Hendrixson, brother in law Arthur Harold Hendrixson, cousin Dr Herbert Frances and wife Sylvia and many nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Extra special friends Angela Manning, who shared Jerry's final journey with all of us as a true family member, supporting in anyway possible. Dr. Wayne Finley, Rev. Joe Elmore (Ret.), Grace Sunday School Class and golf buddies Drs Wayne Finley,Jim Johnson and Andy Daniels for all fun and laughter.

Dr. Thompson was recruited to the faculty of UAB in 1972 by Drs Wayne and the late Sara Finley as an assistant professor of Biochemistry and Pediatrics in the Laboratory of Medical Genetics. Jerry retired as full professor from the department of Human Genetics in 2001, but continued his laboratory activities part-time in the department of Pediatrics. In 2006, Dr. Thompson moved back to the department of Genetics, where he worked part-time in the Metabolic Disease Laboratory.

Dr. Thompson was a long time member of Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church and a member of Vestavia Country Club where he played golf twice a week.

Dr. Thompson held memberships in a number of professional and scholarly organizations, including the American Society of Human Genetics, the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the Society for inherited Metabolic Disorders and the Alabama Academy of Science. He also was a Diplomat of the American Board of Medical Genetics and a founding fellow and former board member of the American College of Medical Genetics.

On Feb. 8, 2008, The Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama adopted a resolution granting Dr. Thompson Professor Emeritus status in the departments of Pediatrics, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics and Genetics at UAB.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to No More Malaria, UAB Center for Palliative and Supportive Care or National MPS Society, Inc., P.O. Box 14686, Durham, N.C. 27709-4686, toll free number 1-877-MPS-1001 or 919-806-0101, our non-profit (C) (3) number is 11-2734849.