Leonard Melvin "Buddy" Thompson's Obituary
Mr. Leonard Melvin “Buddy” Thompson, Sr., age 75, passed away on April 15th, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee. Born on May 14th, 1948, in Fulton, Georgia, he was the beloved son of Calvin Columbus Thompson and Margaret Lou Jacob Thompson.
Leonard’s life was marked by unwavering dedication to his craft. As a roofer, he toiled under the sun and rain, ensuring shelter for countless families. His strong work ethic and willingness to lend a helping hand endeared him to all who knew him. Leonard’s heart overflowed with compassion, and he never hesitated to assist those in need.
His faith was the cornerstone of his life. Leonard was a devout follower of God, finding solace and strength at Faith Is the Victory Church in Nashville. His unwavering belief sustained him through life’s trials and triumphs.
Beyond work and faith, Leonard cherished the great outdoors. He found joy in camping amidst the rugged beauty of the Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg. The serene lakes and lush forests provided a sanctuary for his soul. And when the call of the sea beckoned, Leonard would escape to the sandy shores of Florida, particularly Myrtle Beach, where he reveled in the ocean’s embrace.
Leonard Melvin Thompson, Sr. leaves behind a legacy of hard work, kindness, and love. His memory will forever echo in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to share life’s journey with him.
In addition to his parents Calvin and Margaret Lou, Leonard is preceded in death by his son, Leonard “Fuzzy” Thompson, Jr.; siblings Vernon, Dewitt, Polly, Sandra, and Herbert; and granddaughter Megan. Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife Mary Ann Thompson; daughters Tammy Thompson and Kimberly Clinard; sons Johnny Ray Buchanan, Sr. (Sondra) and Nathaniel Byrd; grandchildren Chelsea Thompson, Adam Clinard, and Johnny Ray Buchanan, Jr.; great-grandchildren Makiyah Thompson, Nevaeh Radley, Markco Radley, Jr., Roger Clinard, Jr., Mia Clinard, Lily Clinard, and Jalissa Marie Buchanan; sisters Margaret Dolores Strickland, Evelyn Thompson, and Floyd McKay; nieces and nephews Sharon Thompson, Jeanette Thompson Curtis, Rhonda Thompson, David Thompson, Mickey Thompson, Belinda Thompson, William McKay, Sandra Richerson, Carolyn Oliver, Ronnie McKay, Nancy Benson, Bobby Jerkins, Linda Gail Jerkins, Tommy Jerkins, Michael Jerkins, Regina Marrone, David Leary, Leslie Leary, and Kacey Leary; in-laws Brenda Hill (Hillbilly), Penny Martin, and Sue Byrd (Johnny Coleman); mother-in-law Mary Frances Byrd; and a host of extended family and dear friends.
The family invites friends and relatives for a time of visitation on Wednesday, April 24th, 2024, from 4:00-8:00 in the evening, and on Thursday, April 25th, 2024 from 10:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon, with a funeral service and burial to follow at Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5110 Gallatin Road, Nashville, TN 37216.
Final arrangements for Mr. Thompson, Sr. are entrusted to Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, “Where Nashville Comes to Remember.”
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