Reverend Richard Thompson, Sr. peacefully fell asleep in death on Tuesday, March 1, 2016, at his residence. He was born on December 5, 1936, in Dorchester County, a son of the late Mose and Annie Lee Hopkins Thompson.

Reverend Thompson was educated in the public schools of Dorchester County. At an early age he became a member of Harvey Chapel Baptist Church where he worshipped as a young child along
with his parents and siblings. Still early in his youth, he committed himself to a life of preaching the gospel. He completed Morris College Seminary School. He then became ordained as a Fire
Baptized Holiness minister. Shortly thereafter, he began serving as a pastor in the Fire Baptized Holiness Churches. He served as pastor of Brown Temple FBH, Pregnall, SC, St. John FBH, Kingtree, SC, Mt. Zion FBH, Conway, SC, Little Zion FBH, Gaston, SC, St. James FBH Marion, SC and Brown Chapel FBH, St. George, SC.

Reverend Thompson had a harmonious voice and could sing with a melody that everyone could not help but to enjoy. For a number of years, he sang with the Carolina Dixiaires Quartet. His gift for
singing was such that he could not only sing lead but also tenor and bass.

On February 9, 1958, he was joined in Holy Matrimony to the love of his life, Rosa Lee Winningham. This union was blessed with six children. Two preceded him in death - Brenda and Tarryl. He was also preceded in death by five brothers-Johnny B. Thompson, Will Thompson, William Thompson, Marvin Thompson and Carlie Thompson.

Reverend Thompson worked for a number of years at General Asbestos, Charleston, SC and Brosnan Forest, Dorchester, SC. He also worked at Gifford Hill Cement Plant until his retirement
in 1999. After his retirement, he and his beloved wife had a vision of building a church; and they did just so. They built "The Church of God for all People" from the ground up. He loved his
church and he loved his members. In addition, he was a community oriented person who served as a member of the Ministerial Alliance, St. George, SC. He was a very humble and modest man. He
will truly be missed by the members of the church, community, family, friends and many others.

Although he is gone, those precious moments, those powerful conversations, and all the special memories will never be forgotten by: his loving and devoted wife, Rosa Lee Thompson of the home; three dedicated sons, Richard (Clay Frances) Thompson, Jr., Grover, SC, Stevie Thompson (Priscilla), St. George, SC and Darryl (Joanne) Thompson, Summerville, SC; two loving daughters,
Linda Rose Thompson, St. George, SC and Joanne (Neville) Williams, St. Petersburg, FL; two loving and devoted sisters, Mary Lee Goodwine and Caroline (Dan) Stevens both of St. George,
SC; 16 grandchildren, Keno Jenkins, Keon Jenkins, Marcus D. Simmons, Rochelle M. Thompson, Shaun Simmons, Ricardo S. Thompson, Steven Wade, Rania P. Thompson, Ishara Washington, Stevette Thompson, Rico Jenkins, Jameisha Jenkins, Alvin Hazelton, Alriel Hazelton, Sierrea Lonie, and Brian Lonie; 16 great-grandchildren (one of whom he reared, Shakeem Moultrie); four sisters-in-law, Geneva McMillan and Bernice Hezekiah both of St. George, SC, Roe Edna (Clarence) Hughes, Ridgeville, SC and Linda Thompson, Brooklyn, NY; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and many friends.