David Lee Thompkins, 82, went to meet the Lord Monday morning, December 8, 2014. He was born in 1932 to the late Johnnie Thompkins, Sr. and Flore New Thompkins. He recently lost his beloved brother and sister-in-law, Johnnie Thompkins Jr. and Ernell Thompkins.

Mr. Thompkins spent his adolescence in Winston-Salem and graduated from Atkins High School on June 14, 1949. He graduated from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University with a Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration degree in June, 1954. He continued his studies at Wake Forest University, and received a certificate in Management Studies-Development Program for the Housing Authority.

Mr. Thompkins spent nearly 40 years of his life working tirelessly to empower and improve the lives of city housing residents. He was the first African American Executive Director of the Winston Salem Housing Authority, a position he held from 1982-991. He also served as Deputy Director prior to earning the Executive Director's position. He retired from the Housing Authority in September 1991. During his dedicated work at the Housing Authority, Mr. Thompkins was a part-time teacher at Winston-Salem State University from 1975-1979.
Mr. Thompkins had a passion for improving his community was often at the forefront of community change. He enabled others to speak for themselves and encouraged collaborative learning and a sense of belonging to all people.

Mr. Thompkins was recognized for many outstanding achievements during his life. He was a recipient of many awards regarding his community service. Mr. Thompkins was a social man who was loved by all he met. During his life he was a member of many organizations including New Bethel Baptist Church, the Social Promoters Club, and NAACP, and a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi. In addition he was a member of the Urban League, Winston Salem Chapter where he once served on the Board of Directors.

He leaves to cherish his memories a loving wife of 57 years, Olivia Battle Thompkins; four daughters, Renita Thompkins Linville (James) of the city, Cheryl Thompkins Horton (Glenn, Jr.) of Raleigh, Tracy Thompkins Fortune (Barry) of Mocksville, and Tina Lenore Thompkins; one sister, Mary Taylor; one sister-in-law, Nina Long of Washington, DC; two grandchildren, David Conner and Barry Fortune; two step-grandchildren, Dedric and Dwight Linville; and a host of great-grandchildren, cherished nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

A family visitation will be held from 6pm until 8pm on Friday, December 12, 2014 at Piney Grove Baptist Church. A celebration of life will be held at 12noon Saturday, December 13, 2014 at Piney Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Sir Walter Lee Mack, Jr. officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11am until 12noon on Saturday at the Church.