Donald O. Thompson, Sr., 86

Donald O. Thompson, Sr., 86, of Hendersonville, died on March 9, 2015 at the Elizabeth House. He was preceded in death by his parents: Henry Edward and Nellie Smith Thompson of Mill Spring NC as well as two children: Susan Thompson and Mark Thompson, and two brothers: A.R. Thompson and Lawrence Thompson, and one sister, Gillie Thompson Fowler.

Don was born and reared in Mill Spring, graduating from Mill Spring High School. After high school he graduated from Spartanburg Methodist Junior College, and continued his education with a Bachelor of Science in Education from Appalachian State University. He was teaching when he got drafted into the United States Army where he was stationed at the Pentagon. He moved back to the area and taught school at Mills River Elementary and then West Henderson High School where he was a mathematics and driver's education instructor. During the summers when Don had a break, he began building homes in Henderson County. He soon earned such a reputation as not only a quality builder but one who was very fair, honest and he was a generous philanthropic. Eventually Don decided to change careers and started building homes for families of Henderson county full time. Some of the well known residential developments include Camelot, Sedgewood, Heatherwood, Pickwick, Heatherwood, English Hills, Long John Mountain Estates, Haywood Knolls and various commercial buildings including the Mountain Home Post Office. He was the benefactor to build Margaret R. Pardee's Graham-Stowell Tower. Don was appreciative of the work bestowed upon him and he was very generous to Henderson County though numerous ways. He was active in Community Foundation, a member of the Hendersonville Country Club and he was of the Baptist faith. He loved to travel, watch western movies and spend time at Lake Lure with his family and friends.

Don is survived by his loving and devoted wife of over 30 years, Linda, four children: Donald O. Thompson, Jr. and his wife Brenda of Amelia Island, Sally- Jane and her husband Lars Busk of Charlotte, Carol-Ann Thomspon of Charlotte, and Maxwell Thompson of Ft. Myers, Fl. He is also survived by two step-daughters Gina and her husband Jeff Kilpatrick of Hendersonville, and Leslie Poarch of Arden. He was blessed with many grandchildren: Seth Thompson and his wife Jennifer of Charlotte, Ben Thompson and his wife Alexis of Charlotte, Josh Thompson and his wife Nichole of Tulsa, OK, Nicolai, Christian and Lucas Busk of Charlotte, Spencer Thompson and Paris Thompson of Ft. Myers, Fl., Tristen Bouler of Arden, and Ava Kilpatrick of Hendersonville and one brother Lafayette Thompson of Asheville and a great granddaughter Emma Thompson of Charlotte.

The family wants to thank everyone that has been involved in the entire care of Don and would like to give special recognition to: Lisa Marie Licciardi and other gave givers for their attention to his health and wellbeing, Dr. James Reis for his medical expertise, and the entire staff of both Pardee Hospital and the Elizabeth House/Hospice for their incredible care and service. The caring personal as well as professional friendship that Don had with Ken Youngblood for years will always be cherished and appreciated by the entire Thompson family.

Don's children want to say a very special thank you to Linda Thompson for her devotion, love, friendship and care she gave our dad. She was his world as he was hers. She brought pure joy to our dad and we love her dearly for all she does!

The family is honoring Don's Wishes to not have a service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Billy Graham Association at 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201 or by phone 1-877-247-2426, or any other charity of your choice.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & son Directors and Cremation Memorial Center are in charge of arrangements.