Walter Thompson

Walter Campbell Thompson passed from this life in the morning hours of October 9, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. Walter was born on October 23, 1937 and spent most of his life in Tennessee and Kentucky.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Roy and Martha Granstaff Thompson; a brother: Bobby Thompson; a sister: Carolyn Thompson Sears Johnson; and two sons: Jacob Thompson and Jonathon Walter Thompson.

He is survived by his wife: Mary Lawrence Thompson; two daughters: Jennifer (and Rick) Stone and Carrie (and Chris) Altmaier; five grandchildren: David (and Catherine) Altmaier, Anna (and Brett) Morris, Ben (and Sarah) Hutzel, Sarah Rosebud Hutzel and Jonathon Christopher Thompson. He also delighted in eight great grandchildren: Molly, Henry, Sammy, Avery, Olivia, Sophia, James and Carter; and many nieces and nephews, whom he loved. But to Walter, everyone he met was his family.

Walter graduated from Somerset High School and went on to the University of Kentucky where he spent time playing in the Marching 100 UK Band.  He also performed with a three-piece ensemble called the Swinging Shepherds where he was the percussionist.

From college, Walter moved back to Somerset with his wife, Sheila Rose Simpson Thompson, where he began to work for Lay Simpson Furniture. He later left Lay Simpson and became a furniture factory representative for Krebs Stengel & Company, Bradington Young, Sam Moore, Virginia House, Perfection Upholstery, Guardsman and Hooker Furniture.

Walter was a lover of life, spending much of his time enjoying music, travel and photography. He was athletic, enjoying many sports, but focused on running and biking, both of which he enjoyed success. He traveled to Boston to run the Boston marathon three times and spent many summers in Italy biking in the Tuscany area. Walter also supported many aspiring athletes in their endeavors by providing coaching, mentoring and financial support. In his later years, Walter became a driver for Meals on Wheels where he delivered meals to people in the Franklin area.

In keeping with Walters big and generous heart, we ask that expressions of sympathy be made to Second Harvest of Middle Tennessee . In honor of Walter’s love of his many cats, he also encourages you to adopt from and support your local Human Society.

A Celebration of Live for Walter Campbell Thompson will be in the near future.