of Knoxville, AR
December 17, 1952 - July 5, 2017
Larry Thompson, 64 of Knoxville, Passed away Wednesday, July 5, 2017 at his home with his loved ones by his side. Larry was born December 17, 1952 in Joiner AR to Mr. Frank and Claudia (Blue) Thompson. Larry Served our country in the U.S. Army, he attended Mt. Calvary Baptist church and the University of the Ozarks. He was a landscaper and never met a stranger.
He is preceded in death by his father Frank Thompson.
Mr. Thompson is survived by loving wife Stephanie Whorton Thompson of Knoxville; his mother Claudia Thompson of Ft Mitchell AL; his children Jordan & Amber Thompson of Lamar, Clayton Thompson of Knoxville, Frank Thompson of Knoxville, MaKayla & Corey Bauer of Scranton; his brothers AJ & Nita Thompson of Santa Maria CA, Fredrick & Edna Thompson of Jacksonville AR, Steve & Penny Thompson of Dayton Ohio; his sister Stephanie & Rodoric Smith of Ft. Mitchell AL; Grandchildren: Tanner & KiSean Thompson of Lamar; His loving dog Susie; and a host of friends and other family.
Mr. Thompson's memorial service will be held 2:00 P.M. Sunday, July 9, 2017 at Roller-Cox Funeral Home Chapel with Brother AJ Thompson officiating.
Arrangements are under the direction of Roller-Cox Funeral Home, online guestbook available at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/clarksville
Dear friends of Larry and family. I felt the need to state this. I don’t know if anybody will ever see it but if you do and want to contact me my name is Alison Pollowitz, my phone number and text number is 206.306.4389.
Larry was my sometimes boyfriend when I was in the army and a little bit after, 1973 to 84. We met in Augusta Georgia in military police training. He wound up going to Korea for prison guard stuff and I wound up in Germany doing military police custom work. We talked very often on the phone after we separated from our time in Augusta, and I have no idea how we even did that then.
I visited with him in Joiner Arkansas in 1975 and spent time with his family there. I remember Stephanie coming in Larry’s bedroom (i’m kind of embarrassed now that I even slept in his bedroom at his parents house but there you go.) , I think she was four or five years old with white patent leather shoes for Easter and being so proud of them. I kept thinking she was accentuating the fact they were white to help me feel more welcomed. Stephanie was a super super cutie pie. OMG!!!
Claudia and Al worked at the Hallmark card factory as I remember when I visited there. I could be wrong. I also remember walking around in the community and I literally was the only white person in the town. And I did not feel afraid at all. But I did get a lot of look-ats. I don’t think us and Colin anywhere. When strangers walk through town.
And I also remember Larry had a really good friend, so sorry I can’t recall his name, but he was super smart about civil rights and vocalized how he felt to be a black man in America, and I believe he was trying to work to become a lawyer. And the music was awesome in this friends house. Being a musician, I integrated Motown Temptations O’Jays Barry White and so many more into my lexicon of music forever. He had a VW bug and we drove around a few times and the men were always on the lookout for cops. That has stuck with me forever. I was in the back right hand side of the seat of the bug.
The last time I saw Larry, I believe he was living in Clarkesville and studying to be an alcohol treatment counselor because alcohol was a damaging thing for him. That became apparent when I visited with him in Joiner with his family.
I was also starting to live with my then and now divorced husband. I went to visit Larry. He had a Corvette. We drove around a whole bunch and went to the racetrack I think in Little Rock. Anyway it was bittersweet because it was obvious that we are both moving on in our lives.
Nevertheless, he was a person that made me think about deep things and made me contemplate things and had a complete impact on how I viewed life to this day. I will never forget him. I will never forget trying to learn how to corn roll his hair in my kitchen in Bellingham WA in an old apartment up above the bay. And him talking to my roommate Maria about civil rights. It just breaks my heart.
Larry was the best boyfriend I ever had in my life. He truly made me think. And he absolutely loved me. He gave me guidance and he treated me so well.
I noticed a couple years ago that he passed away. And I would really like to know what happened. He was such a wonderful person. And so instrumental in my life. I still have a love letter from him. He came to visit mill me in Bellingham Washington in 1977. And I went to visit him in Clarkesville in 1978 or 79. That’s the last time I saw him. I also spent a lot of time with his friends when I visited him in Joiner. We also hitchhike to Little Rock. I have a guitar, my ovation with me. We got shot at on an intersection somewhere and the bullet that the person shot at us actually nicked my guitar case. But Larry and I were OK. I cannot tell you how much he meant to me in my life. We had so many fun and hard memories. I am being black and civil rights aware person and me being a white girl from Spokane Washington. I apologize to all of you who have loved him so much through the years. I just wanted you to know that he I had such a wonderful impact on somebody’s life like me. And I wish you all the best.
About a year before the last time I celery. I think the last time I saw him was in Clarkesville in 1985.
Love to all that loved him. I sincerely hope I don’t offend anybody or step over any boundaries or exude anything but extreme love and affection for this man Larry. I’m sure you’re all that I would love for him after me hold the best affection and steam for him as I do. To this day.
Alison (vent) Pollowitz
I still have the letter that he wrote me the last time in 1984. I tried to copy and paste it here but the system won’t allow me. Just to reiterate Larry Thompson rest in peace I’m so sorry I never got to see you again. You are the best boyfriend I ever had.
I am Deeply Sorry for your loss.. Due my Injury I was not able to attend the Memorial Services, however please accept my condolences to you (Stephanie) and your Family. God Bless..
May Gods everlasting love, wrap his loving arms around you during this time of grieve.
Prayers from my family to yours
MSG Barry Gee, USAR
Mr. Larry..Thank you for all the light and inspiration you brought to my life thru our friendship..I will never forget you Mr.Mayor..Prayers..peace and light to your memory and family
Condolences
I am so sorry to hear of Larry's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Reading Rev. 21:3, 4 and John 5:25 have always brought me comfort, and hopefully will do the same for you.
I'm so sorry for your loss. May God bless the family during your time of sorrow
so sorry for the loss, prayers with the family