Celebrating the life of
John "Johnnie" W. Thompson
May 07, 1922 - April 23, 2015
Truly a man of "uncommon valor."
Truly a man of "uncommon valor." As a teenager, Johnnie left his Georgia home to work with the Civilian Conservation Corps in Utah. At the age of 22, he served with the U. S. Marine Corps, Company "A" 10th Amphibian Tractor Battalion during WWII in the Pacific and in the Battle of Iwo Jima. He watched intently as the American flag was raised just above him and his fellow marines on the top of Mount Suribachi. Johnnie met his future bride, Doris, in Oceanside, California and they were married in January 1946. After returning to Savannah, Johnnie built their home on the marsh of the Wilmington River. During his construction career, his projects in Savannah and other cities included building certain schools and hotels and extensive restorations of banks, businesses and historic homes. He owned Thompson Construction Co. Perfection was his motto. He could work day and night and still make time for his favorite things, gardening, cooking outside, boating, fishing, crabbing, unique furniture building and taking his children and grandchildren boating and camping, just to name a few. He especially loved accompanying Renee, the apple of his eye, to father/daughter events during her high school years. Johnnie served as Worshipful Master of Ancient Landmark Lodge No. 231 F & A M and was a member of the Antique Car Club.
Our Johnnie will be greatly missed by his loving family, his wife of 69 years, Doris Ahern Thompson, children and grandchildren, Diane Robbins, Terry & Janet Thompson, Jan & Larry Dillon, Renee & Buddy Griner, Jake Griner, Josh Griner, Jesse Griner, Joseph Thompson, Andy Thompson, Jeremy & Kelly Thompson, Luke and Logan Thompson, Christian Dillon, Erin Dillon, Chan Dillon, Yvonne Zakrzewski, Adelaide Zakrzewski, and niece, Judy Thompson Helton (Hugh). Johnnie was predeceased by his precious mother, Molly Reese Thompson, siblings, Maude Rachels, Norton Thompson, Agnes Chambers, son, Alan David Thompson, grandson, Brian Thompson, nephews, Jimmy Thompson and Gary Chambers.
The family cannot begin to express our most sincere appreciation for his doctors, nurses and caregivers with whom he shared mutual respect and high regard: Dr. Mark E. Murphy, Dr. Mark Taylor, Dr. David Oliver, Dr. James Beisel, Carrie Scruggs, Dr. Samuel Torres, Hospice of Savannah staff, and the finest of finest, Emma Bowling, Liz Maher and Jeff Hartman.
We will honor Johnnie's life during visitation at 1:00 p.m. and funeral service at 2:00 p.m. at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel on Tuesday, April 28, 2015, followed by burial, Forest Lawn Cemetery, Masonic section.
So sorry to hear about cousin Johnnie's passing. Andy and I are in Florida thru May. We are rarelly in Savannah anymore, he only works part time now in Rincon. We will always cherish the good times we spent with you and your family.
- La Donna & Andy Abbott, Blairsville, Ga
Johnnie was a wonderful man..one of a kind..he loved life..he will be remembered and loved..God Bless him and his whole Family.Amen.
- Pamela E.Thompson, Statesboro, Ga.
Semper Fi, Johnny!
- Vivian Viskocil, Osage, IA
Prayers and sympathy to my dear sister, Doris and her family, Diane, Jan, Terry and the grandchildren. May God watch over you all at this very difficult time. I will miss Johnny, he always had a joke and a hug for everyone. He was a WWII hero and went through so much. He was a hard worker, and took such good care of his family. Johnny was so good to my father through the years and we loved him dearly. Love you all, Vivian
- Vivian Viskocil, Osage, IA
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the Thompson family in this difficult time. Johnny was a war hero, serving with distinction as a member of "the Greatest Generation," but he was also a hero to his family. He was as tough as they come. Johnny will be missed by all of us.
- Daphne,Mark, Josh, Christopher and Abby Murphy, Savannah, GA
Terry, Jan, Diane, Doris I am so sorry about Mr. Johnny My deepest sympathies are with you and all the family. You are in my thoughts and my prayers. I know he will be missed.
- Paula Thompson Hendrix, Brooklet, Ga
Diane - it is with great sadness to learn of your dad's passing - my deepest sympathies to you and your entire family. He has finally taken the last trip and is now at peace with the Lord. Love ya
- Barbara, Guyton, Ga
So sorry to hear about cousin Johnnie's passing. Andy and I are in Florida thru May. We are rarelly in Savannah anymore, he only works part time now in Rincon. We will always cherish the good times we spent with you and your family.
- La Donna & Andy Abbott, Blairsville, Ga
Johnnie was a wonderful man..one of a kind..he loved life..he will be remembered and loved..God Bless him and his whole Family.Amen.
- Pamela E.Thompson, Statesboro, Ga.
Semper Fi, Johnny!
- Vivian Viskocil, Osage, IA
Prayers and sympathy to my dear sister, Doris and her family, Diane, Jan, Terry and the grandchildren. May God watch over you all at this very difficult time. I will miss Johnny, he always had a joke and a hug for everyone. He was a WWII hero and went through so much. He was a hard worker, and took such good care of his family. Johnny was so good to my father through the years and we loved him dearly. Love you all, Vivian
- Vivian Viskocil, Osage, IA
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the Thompson family in this difficult time. Johnny was a war hero, serving with distinction as a member of "the Greatest Generation," but he was also a hero to his family. He was as tough as they come. Johnny will be missed by all of us.
- Daphne,Mark, Josh, Christopher and Abby Murphy, Savannah, GA
Terry, Jan, Diane, Doris I am so sorry about Mr. Johnny My deepest sympathies are with you and all the family. You are in my thoughts and my prayers. I know he will be missed.
- Paula Thompson Hendrix, Brooklet, Ga
Diane - it is with great sadness to learn of your dad's passing - my deepest sympathies to you and your entire family. He has finally taken the last trip and is now at peace with the Lord. Love ya
- Barbara, Guyton, Ga
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
