Roger Harold Thompson, 81, of the Betty’s Creek Community in Rabun Gap, Ga passed away early Tuesday morning August 27, 2019 at his home with his family. The world lost an incredible man who cared so deeply for his family and others. He was born in Clayton, Ga. on Nov. 8, 1937.
He was the son of the late Chester and Margie York of Clayton, Gaa. and the late Roy and Zela Buchanan of Michigan.
Over the years, he worked for Clyde Ramey at his gas station, which he enjoyed very much. He was also employed by Tudor and Yager Phone Company as well as Simon Speed clearing right-of-ways for Georgia Power. He worked for 27 years at Burlington Industries and 10 years at Fruit of the Loom as a dryer operator. He was also employed at two different Family Dollar stores.
He loved talking about making and hauling moonshine. He was an avid hunter in his younger years and loved fishing in local lakes and streams especially Lake Burton. He enjoyed watching NASCAR races, especially the drivers Bill Elliott, Richard Petty, Neil Bonnett, and more recently Chase Elliott. He also enjoyed working on rebuilding his Ford truck. He loved being outdoors working and keeping up his family land. Above all else, he loved his family, children, and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lorene, of Rabun Gap, his daughter, Myra Sullivan (Jim), of Rabun Gap, and his son, Tim Thompson, of Rabun Gap. He was a loving Papaw to his three grandchildren, Cody, Sarah, and Savanna Sullivan of Rabun Gap. He is also survived by his brothers, N.C. York of Clayton, Ga, Randy Buchanan of White Lake, Michigan, and Mike Buchanan of Washington, Utah. He was preceded in death by his brothers John Buchanan of Davisburg, Michigan and Ronnie Buchanan of Mio, Michigan. He is survived by his sisters Wanda York Hutchison of Clayton, Ga and Maxine Hale of Lapeer, Michigan. He is also survived by his special cousins Tommy and Freddie Crane of Clayton, Ga who were like brothers to him as well as by his beloved Uncle Kermit Thompson and Aunt Lenora “Tootsie” Crane. He had many special nieces and nephews who he loved very much.
His body will be cremated and his ashes will be spread at a later date in a location that was very special to him. A celebration of his life was held Saturday, Aug. 31 at The Persimmon Baptist Church Fellowship Hall on Persimmon Road in Clayton, Ga. conducted by Kermit Thompson and Mickey Justice, as per his wishes, immediately following the service there was food and fellowship. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate in his name to the MDS Foundation, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, or the Sid Weber Memorial Cancer Fund. If at all possible or able please donate blood in his name so that others can be helped as he was. He very much appreciated all the people that donated their blood so that he could receive the many transfusions he needed.
The family is at the home on High Darnell Road in Rabun Gap, Ga. Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements
An on-line obituary and guest register is available at www.hunterfuneralhomega.com