Lafayette- Visitation will be August 26, 2009 at First Baptist Youngsville, 623 Lafayette St., Youngsville, LA from 9:00AM till the service begins at 11:00AM followed by a graveside service at 4:00PMin Westlawn Cemetery, 1225 Whitney Ave., Gretna, LA. Dr. Hiram Campbell & Bro. Mark Gaudin will preside over the services.Archie Ralph Thompson, Sr. was called home to be with his Lord & Savior on August 22, 2009 after a courageous battle with Alzheimers. He was the beloved and devoted husband of 63 wonderful years to Dorothy Bienvenu Thompson (his Shug and her Honey), loving & caring father to Archie Ralph Thompson, Jr, wife Pamela Thompson of Houston, TX and Roxanne Thompson Scott husband Jeffrey Scott, of Broussard, LA, the adoring Paw-Paw to Kelly Scott of Chicago, IL, Brandon Scott wife Ashley Johnston Scott, Katelyn Thompson, and Evan Thompson all of Houston, TX, sister Avilene Pack Bower of Jumping Branch, WV and brother Robert Thompson of Loveland, OH and many numerous nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Archie Thompson, mother Etta Thompson Pack, brother Richard Thompson, sister Clista Martin and Violet Ruth Thompson, and the light of his life, grandson Blakely Jonathan Thompson who is waiting at heavens gate to give his Paw-Paw a welcome home hug. He was a native of Jumping Branch, West Virginia until he met the love of his life Dorothy. He became a resident of Gretna for 62 years. Following Hurricane Katrina he and Dorothy relocated to Youngsville, LA. Archie served his country in the US Navy during WWII as a Quartermaster III Class. He was devoted to his Lord by serving 31 years as a deacon in First Baptist of Gretna and Calvary Baptist Church of New Orleans. His devoted love for the Lord was also shown by his service in the church as a Sunday School Leader, leader of a Christian boys youth program, the Royal Ambassadors, and long time faithful choir member. He was an active member of the Terrytown Golden Agers. Archie was an avid bowler winning numerous trophies and gold medals in the US Senior Olympics. He devoted his life to his family and church. His strong religious faith was an example to all who knew him. He was a devout Christian, husband, father & grandfather who loved his Lord, his Family and his country. Archie retired in 1979 at age 55 from Chevron Chemical in Belle Chase, LA. to spend time with his children and grandchildren. He loved working in his yard and taking special care of his prize pecan tree, even taking pot shots at any squirrel that dared to climb it. He acquired the art of quilt making from his mother and made quilts for his children & grandchildren who proudly use & display his unique pieces of art. There are even quilts waiting for his future great-grandchildren. He was a jack of all trades from being able to repair, build & fix anything (break it once, fix it twice). He even dabbled in playing the piano, an appreciation of music he attributed to his father. He would twinkle the keys playing his favorite hymn and the only song he could really play, Sweet Hour of Prayer. The family would like to thank all the staff at Cornerstone Village South for their loving care and devotion during his illness with special appreciation for Barbara Castile who kept him dancing and smiling. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Alzheimers Association or the Multiple Sclerosis Society. David Funeral Home Lafayette, 316 Youngsville Highway (318)837-9887 is in charge of arrangements.
