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Truman L. Thompson Jr., age 77, crossed over on Monday, October 11, 2021 at Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville, Florida. Truman was born on March 1, 1944 in Tifton, GA to the late Truman Lynn Thompson Sr. and Lillie Mae Wade Thompson. Truman spent his youth in Georgia, Yulee, FL, and Fernandina Beach, FL, which is where he met the love of his life and soul mate, Nancy Jean Keller.
Truman enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1964. He and Nancy married on May 6, 1966, which was right before Truman did his tour of duty in the Vietnam War. Upon Truman’s return, he and Nancy bought their forever family home in their hometown of Fernandina Beach, FL. Truman started working for Container Corporation in 1971, worked his way up from Machine Operator to Crew Chief, and after 37 years, retired in 2008.
Truman was very intentional in everything that he did and his intention was always to provide for his family - and he treated everyone like family. His house was more than a home for his family, he added a second story to their home for he knew they would need extra space, he built a garage apartment that would house so many, and eventually he put in a pool for the grandkids. His home was always open to anyone who needed a place to go and his table always had an open spot for anyone who was hungry. After retirement, Truman’s hobbies continued to reflect his joy in providing for others. He loved to fish so he could bring fresh fish home for all to eat, he smoked meats in his custom smoker so there was enough for everyone, his gardens were always so big that he could share the harvest, and he loved to steam crab and shrimp and roast oysters so he could crack, peel, and shuck them for everyone to eat. Truman was truly a giver of joy.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Nancy Jean Keller Thompson; his son, Christopher “Chris” Lynn Thompson; his daughter Sonya Kim Mclaughlin; one of his brothers, Derwood Thompson (Nora); three of his sisters, Ruth Spinks, Kathy Berry (John), and Betty Vickers (Jimmy), along with many precious nieces and nephews. Truman was preceded in death by his sister Shirley Sowell and five brothers, Rodney Thompson Sr., Ronnie Thompson, Donnie Thompson, John M. Thompson Sr., and William “Bill” Thompson; Truman is also a beloved Grandpa and Great-Grandpa to Dennis Davis (Nicole) and their children Daimeon, Annette, Jacob, and Elisabeth “Lulu”; Stephanie Lastinger and her boys Adyn and Ethan; Cody Thompson (Amanda) and their son Oliver “Ollie”; and Walker Busken and Lance Mclaughlin.
Truman was cremated, according to his wishes. The family will have a celebration of life event in Truman’s hometown of Fernandina Beach, FL and the date is still to be determined.
