Tommy Mantle Thompson

He was predeceased by his parents, Carl and Ora Mae (Babe) Thompson, brother, Lloyd Thompson, son, Dean Thompson and stepson, Brian Bowden. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 25 years Geraldine (Gerri) Simpson Thompson, his brother, Virgil Thompson of Cove City; daughter Rene Gryb (Bob) of New Bern; stepdaughter, Carrie Bowden Freed (David) of New York City; sisters-in-law, Linda Lee Powell (Walter) and Joy Hardison, all of Grantsboro; grandsons, Tommy Thompson (Amanda) of Cove City, Adler and Ennis Freed of New York City; granddaughter, Brooke Gryb of New Bern; two great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Tommy was a member of Broad Street Christian Church, New Bern where he served as a Deacon and long-time member of the Building Committee.

Tommy proudly served in the US Army and was stationed in Germany. He worked at Hatteras Yachts as a Line Supervisor for 30 years, being the first person hired when there was only a power pole for the New Bern facility, where he cultivated a wonderful group of lifelong friends. He was a master builder, having single-handedly built several duplexes and houses. He was always very proud of his building accomplishments. He treasured the memories of his many Harley Davidson trips with his biker buddies. He loved the outdoors and spent many hours boating and fishing the rivers, creeks and the Pamlico Sound.

But his greatest loves were his family, friends and God. Being a meek and humble man, he never had an unkind or judgmental word for anyone. He loved everyone with the kind of love very rarely found and everyone who encountered him witnessed his rare blend of kindness, humbleness, strength and humor, but most of all, his strong faith and love of his Lord.

Gerri wishes to express her deepest gratitude to the many healthcare professionals who guided and compassionately looked after them during this long journey, especially Dr. Rick Gorman, Dr. Robert Whitmore and Craven County Hospice.

Visitation will be Thursday, January 20, 2022 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm at Cotten Funeral Home with the service to follow in the chapel with Rev. Philip Jones officiating. Mask are requested. Burial will follow at Greenleaf Memorial Park.

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In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Broad Street Christian Church New Bern, Craven County Hospice or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Arrangements by Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory.