God saw the road was getting tough, the hills was hard to climb
He gently closes Richard's eyes and whispered "Peace be thine".

On December 17th, 1957 God blessed John Henry, Sr. and Aggie Bell Keaton Thompson with a son, Richard Martin Thompson, Sr.

Growing up in Monticello, Florida, Richard was taught the value of family. He attended Jefferson County High School where he was an avid basketball player. After graduating in 1975, Richard went on to attend college. Although he attended and graduation from FAMU's brick mason program he decided to do what he loved best, tire repair.

The early 1980's brought great life changing experiences for Richard as he opened Thompson Tire. He was also favored with his first born, Richard, Jr. and went on marry the love of his life, Gloria Jean Washington on August 5, 1982.

Richard's business venture was a great success. Soon Thompson Tire became a household name amongst the residents of the Big Bend area. Because of Richard's vast knowledge in his profession, he obtained the contract for Leon County School buses. In 2018, Richard passed the torch to Richard, Jr. who expanded to shop by adding car detailing services. Now, over 30 years later his firm still maintains the Leon County School's contract and continues to serves numerous clients throughout the Big Bend.

Richard loved to cook and was known for his barbecue. During FAMU's football season, Richard could be found on campus selling his famous rib dinners. He was also known to have the best watermelons. Richard sponsored numerous local sports teams; he loved being a help to his community. In the early 2000's, on his son, Richard, Jr.'s birthday, he accepted Christ as his personal Savior and joined Welaunee Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Herbert Thomas.

Exactly one month after his thirty-ninth wedding anniversary, Richard answered the Master's call. Those left to honor and cherish his memory are: his loving wife, Gloria Jean Washington Thompson; his sons, Richard Thompson, Jr., Antwon (Tamara) Thompson of Tampa, FL, Anataevius D. Walker, Milton, FL and Terrence Thompson, Jacksonville, FL; his grandchildren, LaJhada Hubbard, Ariana Thompson, Richard Thompson III, Ethan Thompson and Siah Thompson; his brother, Ed (Doris) Keaton of Monticello, FL; his sister, Jeanette Thompson-Washington of Tallahassee, FL; his half-sister, Renea Moore of Jacksonville, FL; his uncle, Vernon Thompson of Naples, FL; his 104 year old aunt, Lula Mae Taylor, Ocala, FL; his god children, Kim Rivers, Lee Clary, Wesley Murphy and Alicia Ash; a devoted caregiver, Stephanie Perkins; and a host of other relatives and friends. He was proceeded in death by his parents, John Henry and Aggie Bell Thompson; his brothers, Clarence, Reginald, and John Henry, Jr. and his sisters, Shirley K. Reddick, Andrea, Gloria and Geraldine Thompson.