Emory Thompson

Emory L. Thompson, 88, of Annandale, Virginia, died at his home Friday, June 15, 2012 with his loving family by his side. He was born in Bartow County, Georgia and attended welding trade school after high school. During WWII, he served in the Army Air Corps in the Pacific Theater. After returning from the war in 1946, Emory moved to Washington DC area for a job with Capitol Airlines (now United Airlines). In 1950, he married Julia, his loving wife of 61 years. Emory was a welder and aircraft/ground fleet mechanic for United Airlines until retiring in 1984, and a member of the Machinist Union. He also ran a small private welding and repair shop from 1948 until the fall of 2011. Emory had a passion for his work and trade, and felt it to be a reflection of himself and his ethics. He believed in providing his customers with honest day's labor and the highest quality product at a honest price. He found great joy and satisfaction using his expertise and skills to help neighbors, friends, and his church, and in turn they enjoyed his wit, conversation, and his ability to turn their ideas or projects into something beyond their vision. He was an active and loved member of Braddock Baptist Church. His spirit will be missed. He is survived by his wife, Julia; his son and daughter-in-law Stephen and Patricia Thompson; daughter and son-in-law Kathy and Chris Jensen; son Alan Thompson; sisters Evelyn Olson, Jessie Anderson, Sara Thompson, Dulcie Thompson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 21, 2012 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at the Demaine Chapel 5308 Backlick Road Springfield, Virginia, 22151, 703-549-0074. Services will be on Friday, June 22, 2012 in the Demaine Chapel at 10:00am. Graveside Service will follow at Fairfax Memorial Park, Fairfax, Virginia, 22032.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Braddock Baptist Church (6519 Braddock Road, Alexandria, Virginia 22312) which has been strong force in the family for 52 years, or Evercare Hospice (12018 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 400, Reston VA 20191) who provided medical support and guidance since February.