Birth Date: 09/13/1929
Deceased Date: 03/18/2022
Rev. William (Kenneth) Thompson of Selma, NC, born September 13, 1929 to the late Willie H. and Sally B. Thompson had his prayers answered and passed into the loving arms of the Lord that he diligently served on March 18, 2022. William Kenneth Thompson was preceded in death by his first wife, Joyce Poole Thompson and brother, Billy Thompson.
Kenneth is survived by his wife, Daphene Thompson of Hartsville, SC; son, William Kenneth Thompson, Jr (Kenny) of Key Largo, FL; granddaughter, Marye McKenly Thompson and daughter in law, Stephanie Jackson Thompson of Smithfield, NC; brother, Carl Thompson and wife, Faye of Knightdale, NC Also surviving are his sister-in-law, Jean Thompson of Smithfield, NC; stepdaughters, Talana Benson, Melinda Easterland and Sonya Rowe; step grandchildren, Justin Easterland, Veron Benson, Maranda Avill and Taylor Rowe among many nephews and nieces.
Reverend Thompson was a member of the Johnston Community Church of God of Prophecy in Selma and also served as a District Overseer for the Church of God of Prophecy. Kenneth served in the U.S. Marines from 1952-1954 and received the National Defense Service Medal and retired from the State of North Carolina Department of Agriculture. Kenneth was a man of strong faith and moral character who served his family, friends and church community with pride and dignity.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Kenneth’s friend and caretaker, Danny Starling of Selma, N.C. for his countless hours of service and compassion, as well as his roommate, John Collie and special nephew, Mickey Thompson. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of Smithfield Manor for the care Kenneth received, particularly in his final days. The family is grateful for those that have kept them in their thoughts and prayers.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 4:00 pm in the Selma Memorial Gardens (across from Parrish Funeral Home). The ceremony will be officiated by Rev. Jerry Penley and Kenneth’s son, William Kenneth Thompson, Jr. (Kenny).The family will receive friends immediately following the graveside service at Johnston Community Church, 450 Janie Road, Selma, N.C. for a final farewell celebration supper. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Johnston Community Church in honor of Rev. William Kenneth Thompson.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at parrishfh.com.
