To view Mr. Thompson's souvenir journal, please click the "Program" link below:
Program

Jesse Lee Thompson, Sr.
May 30, 1943 – April 2, 2025
"10-99...Mission Completed"

Jesse Lee Thompson, Sr., the adored son of George and Mary Thompson, was born on May 30, 1943. He grew up on SW Parramore Street (renamed Valentine Street) in the Georgetown community of Madison, Florida. Many years later, he often reminisced about his adventures and the lessons he learned from his early life there. He was a resident of Tallahassee, Florida.

With the guidance, support, and encouragement of his parents, teachers, other family members and concerned neighbors, he learned morals and values and developed a work ethic that guided him throughout life. He was a 1964 graduate of Madison County Training School (MCTS Tigers). Subsequently, he relocated to Orlando, Florida, and entered the freight/transportation workforce. Having gained experience, he stepped out on faith for owning and operating an eighteen-wheeler with the CB radio handle, "The Orlando Catfish." Using his Citizens Band (CB) Radio on the road, he began the conversation with "Breaker, breaker," acknowledged with a "Big 10-4", listened to the CB while driving with a "10-10 in the wind", and signed off with a "10-7". In addition to the success of his trucking business, Jesse was also the owner and operator of Thompson's Lawn Service for more than 40 years.

In his leisure time, Jesse felt relaxed while he hunted and fished (especially for catfish that he prepared as his favorite meal). Likewise, he felt peaceful when he listened to Old School Gospel, Soul, and R&B music, and contented when he watched his favorite television westerns from the past – "Wagon Train," "Raw Hide," "Have Gun Will Travel," and "The Rifle Man."

Another leaf from the Thompson family tree has fallen. At the age of eighty-one, Jesse Lee Thompson, Sr. peacefully entered eternal sleep on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. He is gone from his loved ones' sight, but never from their hearts.

Honoring the life and legacy of Jesse Lee Thompson, Sr. reflects the profound love and respect his loved ones have for him. Those who will deeply miss him until they meet again are his daughters: Angela (Alvin) Thompson Williams, Tammie (Eldrige) Thompson Whitted, and Melissa (Jerome Pellom) Thompson; sons: Jesse Lee Thompson, Jr. and Travis (Crystal) Thompson; grandchildren: Omari (Patrice), Kimani Williams, Khahlil Williams, Brittani Whitted, Haylee Whitted, Dallas Pellom, Zatravia, Taleyah Thompson, Treasure Thompson (affectionately known as Peewee by her granddaddy), and great-grandchildren: Jordan, Nova, Eris, Za'Renee, Astarri, and Ava; siblings: Alice Claire (Albert) Davis, Clarence Thompson, and eldest niece raised as a sister, Jeanette Walker; lifetime friends: Roosevelt "Rock" Taylor and Walter Campbell, Jr.; Pamela Brooks and sons Darius (and daughter Amaiah), Daunte Bryant, and other beloved family members; along with a host of other cherished nieces, nephews, and sorrowing friends.

Jesse Lee Thompson, Sr. was preceded in death by both parents: George and Mary Thompson; his siblings: Baby Elizabeth, Baby Alice, Georgia Mae, Sylvester, Marie, Mary Lou, and Richard; his nephew: Curtis, and his beloved grandson: Braxton.