Donald (Don) Ray Thompson

January 8, 1950 – June 5, 2021

Donald "Don" Ray Thompson, 71, of Edmond, OK, was suddenly taken home to be with God on Saturday, June 5, 2021.

He was born January 8, 1950 in Bluefield, WV and spent his early years in Bluefield, VA where his mother, Beatrice Perry, and step-father, Robert Perry, continue to reside. Don held a special love for his mother that only grew stronger over the years. Don is preceded in death by his father Aristy "Tommy" Thompson.

Don grew up in Bluefield, VA amidst a large, extended, close-knit family that spanned several generations and namesakes, including the Smith, Lawson, Thompson and Perry families. He was blessed to share his formative years with numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins who were as close to him as siblings. Those relationships were sincere, strong and enduring throughout his life.  Don was the oldest of three children of Beatrice Perry, first becoming a big brother to Mark Thompson when he was 6 years old and then again to David Perry when he was 20 years old. Not surprising given the ages, Don developed his strongest bonds and shared experiences with Mark during his childhood and teenage years. Along with the rest of his family, Don suffered the loss of both Mark and his wife Sheila in 2009 and 2008, respectively; both passing after prolonged illnesses. Don is survived by their daughter Nikki Fiducioso, her husband Joseph and children Austin, Caleb, Adrian, and Kameron of Colorado Springs, CO. Don is also survived by his youngest brother David Perry and wife Susan of Charlotte, NC. Don was the biggest of big brothers to David with their relationship deepening over the years as they came to share many life experiences as adult brothers and friends. Don is also survived by his nephew Brandon Perry, who is currently a Specialist in the US Army serving in the 82 ^nd Airborne at Ft. Bragg, NC. He shared a special relationship with Brandon, whom he loved dearly and will undoubtedly watch over with protective care from heaven.

In addition to his parents and siblings, Don is survived by his aunts Helen Lawless of King, NC; Karen Porshia and husband Elwood of Moneta, VA; Brenda Aldridge of Charlotte, NC and Sandy Smith of Bluefield, WV. His uncles Arnold Smith of Bluefield, WV; Bobby Lawless of King, NC and Doug Aldridge of Charlotte, NC preceded him in passing.

Don also leaves behind Leah Freeman of Edmond, OK, having strived during his lifetime to build a positive father-daughter relationship. They shared many things and experiences over the years that he undoubtedly prayed would sustain long after his passing and help her along her continued journey through life.

Don traveled the country over his lifetime working as a skilled carpenter and construction manager, both of which he performed with uncompromising standards. However, his profession was always a means to an end to support himself and family. Don's passion in life was living, loving and helping others in his special way, and his place of peace and satisfaction was often his motorcycle heading to nowhere in particular. His most outstanding accomplishment in life is overcoming his own challenges with addiction and alcoholism, being clean and sober for over 29 years at his passing, and helping countless other people through his dedication to sharing his story, counseling and mentoring through the Alcoholics Anonymous program. Don was an inspiration to others. His simple, straight-forward, respectful, compassionate nature allowed him to love and touch everyone he met in some meaningful and sustaining way. He lived his life on his own terms and was unapologetic about his resolute beliefs that we can all do better in how we treat each other, and we should all unselfishly share the beautiful and bountiful things we have in this country and this world.

Don passed with the wealth of many loving friends and extended family all across the nation who will share countless stories and live from the lessons, inspiration and memories he created with them for years to come. In his own right, Don was and will remain a legend.

A celebration of Don's life will be held on Saturday, June 12, 2021. Friends may visit with the family at Dudley Memorial Chapel in Bluefield, VA from 1:30 PM till 3:15 PM, followed by a service and burial at 3:30 PM at Maple Hill Cemetery. Pastor Ray Petty of Virginia Avenue United Methodist Church will be officiating.

Another celebration of Don's life is being planned in Edmond, OK by his close friend David Good, to whom much appreciation is owed by the family for his support through this difficult time.

Flowers are appreciated, however in lieu of flowers donations may be made in memory of Donald Thompson to either of the following:

Virginia Avenue United Methodist Church, 1901 Virginia Avenue, Bluefield, VA 24605, phone (276) 326-3700

Humane Society of Concord and Greater Cabarrus County, 2010 Wilshire Ct. SW, Concord, NC 28025, phone (704) 784-7387