Raymond E. Thompson

We are grateful for the life of RAYMOND E. THOMPSON. We love him, and we praise him for his generous and nurturing spirit, his pleasant and quietspoken personality, his gentleness, dignity, faith, courage, and commitment to his family, friends, church, and community. Raymond Ellis Thompson was born on January 5, 1922. He was the seventh and last-born child to the late Edward and Emma Thompson. On Tuesday morning, January 15, 2013, ten days after his ninety–first birthday, Raymond Ellis Thompson, affectionately known as "Ray" and "Pop Pop", departed this world and quietly slipped away to be with his Lord and Savior, after a short illness. Raymond received his education from the Baltimore City Public School System, in which, he was involved in many different activities. While a student at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, he met the late Geneva Davis in the tenth grade. On April 14, 1942, they were joined in Holy Matrimony, and from this union they had nine children. He was a devoted husband and a loving father to his children. Raymond enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II, and received an honorable discharge. Raymond’s professional career at the American Smelting and Refining Company in Baltimore City began in 1952 and spanned more than thirty years. During his tenure, he was a crane operator; he served as the president of the union, in which he had to travel to different places, especially to Mexico. Raymond received numerous awards, certificates, and recommendations for his dedicated service. He celebrated his retirement in 1972. After retiring, he was employed by the Jessup Prison System, as well. Raymond received his early religious training in the Baptist Church. Later, he was also baptized at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in 1954; he was a devout Catholic. Through the years, where he held membership for more than fifty years, he was also beneficiary of his talents and commitment. Raymond was a contributing worker in his church. He was a member of the Mass Choir, he served as an Extraordinary Eucharist Minister, he was an Usher, a member of the Holy Name Society, a member of the St. Vincent DePaul Society, and a member of The Knights of St. Peter Claver, in which he held the position and title "Grand Knight" of Council 323. Raymond was also a member of The 4th Degree Council #41, and he worked with the "BUILD" organization of St. Francis Xavier, as well. Also, he was proud to serve as a "Sacristan" daily and whenever needed. East Baltimore was enhanced through his efforts. As a result of many years of service, Raymond performed an important role within his community. As a founder of the "Oliver Community Association", where he also resided on the board under the Baltimore Mayor, Clarence "Du" Burns, Raymond and his late wife, Geneva were honored with a Street Naming dedication. The dedication is located at the intersection of Caroline and Lanvale Streets. The ceremony for this prestigious honor took place on January 6, 2013, nine days before his departure. This intersection has been commemorated and renamed as "Raymond & Geneva Thompson Way" in recognition of their extensive and diligent work in the Oliver Community in Baltimore City. Raymond explored, with enthusiasm, many of life's opportunities and challenges. He was a Travel Coordinator. He traveled extensively for years, in which he visited Europe, Spain, the Panama Canal, Alaska, and the North and South Caribbean, just to name a few. Most of his traveling was by way of a Cruise. His favorite trip was his Pilgrimage to Rome, Italy where he was able to see the "Pope". Raymond enjoyed life. He was a "Jack of All Trades". He had many hobbies, which included carpentry, photography, artwork of ceramics and paintings, as well. He loved to listen to jazz and attended jazz concerts, and was a founding member of the Left Bank Jazz Society. He was also a natural-born innovator of technology and electronics. And most importantly, he loved spending time reading daily, especially the Bible. Raymond was a mentor to his family and friends in many ways. They depended upon him as a person who was willing to offer guidance when and where needed. He is now at rest. His generosity and goodwill will continue to live in the hearts and souls of family and friends that he leaves behind. Raymond leaves to cherish his memory: devoted children, Attrice A. Stamps, Augusta Renae Pierce, DelVerra L. Savage, Claude W. Thompson, Rosalind R. Thompson and Maria D. McNeal. He was preceded in death by wife, Geneva Thompson; daughter, Sandra Thompson; sons, Raymond E. Thompson and Robert L. Thompson. Raymond also leaves to mourn: brother, George Thompson; daughter-in-law, Lanella Thompson; sons-in-law, Thomas C. Pierce, Robert Savage and Bernard McNeal; twenty-eight grandchildren, thirtyfour great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Mary Davis and Lucielle Pittman; brotherin- law, Vincent Davis; and numerous beloved cousins and friends.

Tributes

Raymond E. Thompson

January 5, 1922 - January 15, 2013