Charles Thompson, 93

Charles Edwin Thompson, age 93, of Edgewater, Florida, passed away Saturday, October 12, 2024, surrounded by family. A Celebration of Life is planned for a later date.

Charles was born June 19, 1931, to James Leon and Sarah Cooper Thompson of Swainsboro. He grew up on the farm plowing fields with a mule. From that came a growing love of horses and eventually a love of riding quarter horses. For many years he enjoyed raising, training, and racing Standard Bred horses. It was never work for him and the thrill of the race never got old. Charles loved to name new foals after members of his family and his family got a kick out of seeing their very own “namesake” horse. He enjoyed taking his grandchildren on trail rides and roundups, and they relished every minute of being “true cowboys and cowgirls.” The grandkids were given a childhood of imagination and adventure with the freedom to roam and play, and they are grateful for that opportunity. Charles accomplished many things by just doing them and learning as he went. One of his very good veterinarian friends often said that his working knowledge of horses was a great asset to him on calls. Charles was a kind and tenderhearted person and would help those who needed it whenever he could. Mr. Thompson is preceded in death by his parents; siblings; and son, Samuel Richard Thompson.

Mr. Thompson is survived by his companion, Dawn Cerbone of Edgewater, Florida; children, Leon Thompson, Joe Thompson (Mary) both of Canoochee, Rita Warnock (Jonathan) of Soperton, Ralph Thompson and Martha Walker (Wiley) both of Swainsboro; sister, Joyce T. Salter of Waynesboro; sister-in-law, Jean Thompson of Statesboro; “Pa-Pa” to 14 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter expected soon; “Uncle Charles” to all his nieces and nephews; and “Charlie” to a host of lifetime friends.

Should family or friends desire, a donation may be made in memory of Charles to: The Reubin Thompson Memorial Foundation, c/o Clarke Johnson, 166 Pinewood Drive, Vidalia, GA 30474.

Chapman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.