Mr. Robert L. Thompson, Jr., 59, transitioned to glory on Wednesday, May 16, 2007, at Forsyth Medical Center. He was born on September 10, 1947 in Winston-Salem, NC, to Robert L. Thompson, Sr., and Mary Hall Thompson.

This gentle and compassionate man who loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ always had kind and encouraging words for everyone he met or knew. His quiet strength sustained many people whose fortune it was to cross his path. Robert was a man of excellent character and influenced the lives of many friends and family members. He had an exceptional willingness to serve others. This man of God cherished and honored his family and would do whatever he could for them or anyone else who asked him for help. He supported his immediate family, extended family, church family, and his community family with a zest for life given to him by his Heavenly Father. He attended the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, and was a 1965 graduate of John W. Paisley High School. He went on to continue his education through Forsyth Technical Community College, and the Manpower Development and Training Program. He completed a program in electrical apprenticeship. He was a loving husband, caring father, and an excellent provider for his family. He was well known for encouraging younger men to take care of their families. Robert retired from R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company's Processing Division after 39 years of service. He was recently employed as a service representative for Laboratory Corporation of America. Active in his church life and in the community, Robert was a dedicated deacon, usher, cell ministry leader, and former coordinator of the singles' ministry at St. Peter's Church and World Outreach Center. He had served as a steward, trustee, pastor's assistant, and van driver among other roles at Goler Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church for 26 years. He was also recognized as a top fundraiser for the Men's Day Celebration. He was a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, a solicitor for the United Way Campaign, and was elected national president of the Crockett Family Reunion. In addition, he served 10 years as treasurer for the North Oaks-Collingwood Haven Neighborhood Association.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Hall Thompson; brothers, Aaron Thompson and Christopher Thompson.

Robert is survived by his wife of 35 years, Dr. Karolyn Holmes Thompson, and his daughter, Robin L. Thompson, of Sterling Heights, Michigan. Robert's survivors also include: his father Robert L. Thompson, Sr.; four brothers, Willie Thompson, Charles Thompson, Jimmy Thompson, and Ronald Thompson; three sisters, Barbara (Raymond) Carter of Avon, Indiana, Portia (Ron) Ellerbe, and Gloria Robbson; three aunts, Alma (George) Clement, Florence Brown of San Diego, California, and Lillie Gibson of Rochester, New York, and; two uncles, Marion (Helen) Hall and Vernon (Shirley) Hall of Detroit, Michigan; his mother-in-law, Evelyn Holmes; two sisters-in-law, Goldia (Rudy) Anderson, Jr., Sandra (Robert) Sherrill; two brothers-in-law, Quentin Holmes, and Terry (Jessie) Holmes, and devoted and cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of loving relatives and friends.

The Homegoing Celebration for Robert L. Thompson, Jr., will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23 at St. Peter's Church and World Outreach Center, 3683 Old Lexington Road, Winston-Salem with Bishop James C. Hash officiating. Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation and viewing will be held from 1pm until 2 pm Wednesday at the church.