Raymond Howard Thompson
Raymond Howard Thompson Jr., 83, of Weyers Cave, Virginia peacefully passed away in his home, surrounded by family, on February 24, 2025.
Raymond is survived by his wife, Betty Thompson; his daughters, Teresa Shifflett (James), Cheryl Montgomery (Marty), Pamela Parr (Darrell); his grandchildren, Tiffany Tate (Tramaine), Lenelle Good (Karl), Jamie Shifflett, Jessica Goldstein (Gabe), Jackie Jarrels (Travis), Corey Parr (Anna), and Megan Smith (fiancé of Stephen); his great-grandchildren, Chance Shifflett, Alexys Good, D'Andre Good, Chad Craig, Emma Craig, Nevaeh Good, Aubrie Shifflett, Kennedy Tate, Allie Jarrels, Ben Goldstein, Khloe Tate, Andie Jarrels, Claire Goldstein, and Malakai Smith; his brother, Sheldon Thompson (Cheryle); and his brother-in-law and dear friend Jack Cupp.
Raymond is preceded in death by his mother, Esta Propst-Thompson; his father, RaymondThompson Sr.; his brothers, Richard Thompson, Frankie Thompson, and Hancil "Shorty"Thompson; his sisters, Hilda Cupp, Louise Smith, and Almeda Whetzel; and his son, Raymond Thompson III; in-laws, Escue and Wula Garrison.
Raymond was born on August 17, 1941 in Upper Tract, West Virginia to Raymond HowardThompson Sr. and Esta Propst-Thompson. Shortly after Sheldon was born, Raymond Sr. and Esta moved to the Shenandoah Valley. Here, Raymond Jr. graduated from Montevideo High School in 1959, and soon after graduating married the love of his life, Betty Garrison, on November 5, 1961. Raymond worked for forty years at Reynolds Metals before retiring in 2002.
Raymond was known by his family and friends for his strong faith, unconditional love, and willingness to always lend a hand to a friend or stranger. He never met a stranger, he just met friends he had not had the chance to talk to yet. His warm smile and gentle spirit touched everyone he met. Raymond found joy in the simple pleasures of life - cooking for his friends and family, fishing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and spending Sundays surrounded by his family and fellow church goers at the Middlebrook Church of God. He enjoyed transforming freshly picked apples into apple dumplings, and his family and friends enjoyed eating them.
Throughout the many hardships he faced during his life, the one thing that stayed constant was his love and commitment to Jesus Christ. His unconditional love for the Son of God radiated through his actions and principled approach to life. Even in his final years, Raymond maintained his gentle humor and deep gratitude for life's blessings. His legacy of kindness and connection lives on in the countless lives he touched throughout his 83 years.
The family will receive friends from 7 until 9 PM on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025 at Johnson Funeral and Cremation Service in Grottoes.
A funeral service will be conducted at 11 AM on Friday, Feb. 28th at the funeral home with Pastor Larry Strictler officiating. Burial will follow at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens.
A special thanks to the nurses and staff at Davita, Dr. Arthur, Augusta Health Wound Clinic, Shannon Meadows and Sentara Home Health, Dr. Overby, and Dr. Waligora. Your care gave us extra years with Raymond, and for that we are forever grateful.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at johnsonfs.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson Funeral and Cremation Service in Grottoes.
