It is with a heavy heart the family of Charles Thompson of Crab Orchard announces his passing. Our beloved Charlie passed on Thursday, January 15th at Raleigh General Hospital.

Charles Keith Thompson was born March 28, 1943. The son of Dale Thompson and Mildred Lilly Barton, he was born at home in Epperly, WV.
In his early years, he was a rambunctious child but kept himself busy by playing basketball and baseball in any capacity he could. After graduating high school, he attended West Virginia Institute of Technology in Montgomery, WV and received a degree in Math Education, but not before marrying his adoring wife, Linda. His teaching career included Richmond District, where he also coached the school's basketball team, Apopka, Florida, and Stoco High School. After teaching he returned to college to get a degree in Chemistry and began working in the State Police crime lab. He always said that was the best job he ever had. He worked as a chemist for a few other places, including National Mines. In 1987 he started Analabs, an environmental laboratory that is still in operation today nearly 40 years later. In addition to being a committed professional, he was very devoted to his church, Crab Orchard Baptist. During his tutelage, he started the Class of Joy and performed duties as a trustee, deacon, and Sunday School Superintendent.
While dedicated to his career, his main priority was his family. He was a loving brother, father, uncle, and grandfather. He was proceeded in death by brother David Thompson and wife Norma and brother Benny Thompson and wife Hope. He is survived by his loving wife Linda Thompson of 60 years, daughters Kelli Harrison and Lori Thompson, grandson Chase Harrison, brother Gary Thompson (Vickie) and sister Debbie Boothe as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
We would like to give special thanks to all the nurses and doctors at Raleigh General Hospital who cared for him during the last week and a half of his life, especially Dr. EJ Salon and Dr. Maria Boustani who went above and beyond as friends and professionals to do everything they could to help him.
The funeral will be Sunday, January 18th at 3:00 pm in the Crab Orchard Baptist Church. The burial will follow on the Fitzpatrick farm. The family is receiving friends Saturday, January 17th in the Melton Mortuary Chapel from 5 to 7:00pm and one hour prior to the services at the church on Sunday.

Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting Charle's tribute page.