Jerry Wayne Thompson was born April 26, 1938, in Dallas, Texas. He earned his High School diploma (Velma-Alma, OK), BA (Harding College, Searcy, AR) and MA (Harding Graduate School of Biblical Studies, Memphis, TN) degrees.

Jerry married Linda Lou Forrester of Newbern, TN, in 1962.They have two sons: Timothy Wayne Thompson and Danny Dwayne Thompson.

Jerry dedicated his life to Christian ministry from preaching in his youth through 43 years of full-time service and continuing part-time service beyond retirement. A highlight of his ministry was 8 years of missionary work in Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies.

Jerry is survived by Linda, Tim of Germantown, TN, and Danny (Jennifer) of Greensboro, NC; and by five grandchildren--Samantha (Adam) Kalwas, and Stephen (Megan), Corinne "Cokie," Campbell and Chase Thompson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Erby Barton and Joey Marguerite Taylor Thompson; two brothers, Jimmie Zane and Larry Dane Thompson; and an infant grandson, Daniel Alexander Thompson.

Following over a year of cancer treatment, on Friday, May 28, Jerry was surrounded by his family when he passed, peacefully in his sleep.