James Lee Thompson, Jr.

James Lee Thompson, Jr., passed away peacefully at his home, Monday, August 2. He was surrounded by loved ones.

 Visitation will be held 5-7 pm Thursday, August 5, 2021 at Woodmont United Methodist Church, 1926 Richardson Drive, Reidsville. A memorial service will be held at the church on Friday, August 6, 2021 at 11 am. In accordance with current guidelines, mask-wearing is strongly encouraged.

 Jimmy is survived by his wife, Susan McCoy Thompson of the home; children Betsy Jo Thompson of Stokesdale, Diana Thompson of Greensboro, James Lee Thompson III of Reidsville, Lynda Graves (Stephen) of Roanoke, Virginia, and their mother Betsy Lea Thompson of Winston-Salem; and Clare Kinlaw of Wilmington; grandchildren Kathryn Zielinski of Ashburn, Virginia, Haley Zielinski, John Zielinski, Taylore Graves and Reilly Graves of Roanoke, Virginia. He is also survived by his sister Shirley Brannock (Bill) of Summerville, SC, their three sons and families.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, James Lee and Elsie Thompson and a brother, Irvin Thompson.

Jimmy was born July 27, 1928, on Reidsville’s Lindsey Street S-curve, as he often reminded family. He attended Reidsville public schools and graduated from Reidsville High School in 1946 after helping the Reidsville Lions football team win the 1945 state championship. He continued his education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned a degree in commerce and continued his lifelong commitment to and support of the Tar Heels. After graduating, he returned to Reidsville where he joined Rentz Oil Company and worked for 48 years, retiring as owner.

 Jimmy loved and supported his community, serving in the Reidsville Lions Club for 65 years. He was proud to be the lead French fry maker at the Reidsville Rams Friday night games for over 30 years in service with the Lions Club. He served the Salvation Army for over 40 years and was a life member of its advisory board. Additionally, he was an active volunteer with Habitat for Humanity for 20 years and served on the board of Wachovia Bank, now Wells Fargo Bank, for many years as well. A charter member of Woodmont United Methodist Church, he was active in the Aldersgate Sunday School class and held many leadership positions in the church over the years.

 The family would like to thank Reverend Michelle Foster-Beckerleg for her pastoral care during this difficult time. They would also like to thank Hospice of Rockingham County and loving caregivers Audrey, Charlene and Yvonne.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Woodmont United Methodist Church, 1926 Richardson Drive, Reidsville, NC 27320; Hospice of Rockingham County, P.O. Box 281 Wentworth, NC 27375; or the Salvation Army of Rockingham County, P.O. Box 686, Reidsville, NC 27323.

Citty Funeral Home is assisting the Thompson family and online condolences may be made at www.cittyfh.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Lee Thompson, Jr., please visit our floral store.