- Date Of Birth: August 17, 1926
- Date Of Death: December 12, 2013
- State: Colorado
Henry Ray Thompson, Jr. was born on August 17, 1926, in Melville, Louisiana to his parents, Henry Ray Thompson, Sr. and Beatrice Edmond Thompson. He received his formal education by attending the public school system in Melville, LA. On April 1, 1944, Henry enlisted in the United States Navy. He served with honor and distinction and was honorably discharged. In 1943, Henry united in holy matrimony to the former Ruth Victoria Crout. The couple first met when they both lived in Denver, Colorado. To this union, Yvonne and Karen were born. He later wed Loretta Clark in Denver. To this union, Kathy and Donna Quinn were born. He was also the father of Henry III, Anthony, Josette, Judy and Willa. The family shared many happy and memorable moments together. He was later blessed with five grandchildren and five great grandchildren, who were an additional source of joy and pride in his life. By profession, Henry was employed as an Automotive Mechanic and Detailer. His last place of employment was with Central Datsun. His coworkers and employers remember him as being hard-working, dedicated and man who performed his duties with precision and accuracy. Later, Henry became the proud owner and operator of a Phillips 66 Auto Repair Shop. He truly enjoyed being his own boss and serving the patrons who trusted their cars in his care. Henry was a fun loving man who enjoyed life and those he encircled. He was known by his friends and loved ones as “Hank.” In his free time, he loved to BBQ and was often given the title of the best cook in Denver. He was a mentor and father to many of the neighborhood children, who fondly called him “Pop.” To the young ladies, he was a protector and conscious voice in their heads reminding them not to put up with anyone or anything that did not honor them as a woman. “Hank” lived his life to the fullest never seeming to have a bad day. Everyone, young and old, loved to hang out with “Hank”, “Pop”, “Pop-a-Doo” or “Pops.” He will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known this kind and wonderful man, who never met a stranger and whose home was always open offering warmth, food, fun and plenty of love. To know Henry was to love him. Henry Ray Thompson, Jr. affectionately called “Hank,” departed this life on December 12, 2013, in Palmdale, California. Those left to cherish his memory and mourn his loss, include his daughters, Kathy R. King of Denver, Yvonne E. (Leonard) Thompson-Bolds of Palmdale, California and Donna Q. (Ronald) Thompson-Slaughter of Aurora, Colorado; 5 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and many friends.
