Franklin "Gene" Thompson

On May 6, 2026, Gene Thompson stepped through Heaven’s gates into the arms of Jesus where he heard, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

Gene was born in Cairo, Georgia, on February 17, 1943, to Rev. John T. Thompson and Evelyn Majors Thompson. His growing up years were spent in South Georgia, New Orleans, and Mississippi while his father attended college and seminary and served as pastor of several churches. The family moved to Gainesville, Georgia, in February of 1959, where his father was called as pastor of Oak Grove Baptist Church.

Gene was saved on Mother’s Day, 1959, when he was 9 years old.  He has walked with Jesus Christ as his Savior ever since.  He lived a life of humble service with compassion for others. He always put others before himself. 

No matter where he was, people were drawn to him because of his friendly nature and great sense of humor.

He was a graduate of the East Hall High School Class of 1961 and worked for the United States Postal Service for 37 years as a letter carrier, he started as a clerk

He was married to Judy, the love of his life, for 64 years. 

He loved his church - Victory Baptist Church - with all his heart. He served as their music director for 53 years. He also taught Sunday school and served as a deacon. His fellow deacon, Joel Webb, has served faithfully with him with a friendship like David and Jonathan.

Gene was a gifted woodworker. Many homes are graced with his creations. His church has a beautiful oak stained glass memorial and remembrance table he created.

His heart's desire was to share the love of Jesus with everybody he came in contact with. Even during his extended illness, he asked his doctors if they knew Jesus. He would want you to be prepared for eternity. His unwavering faith is still an inspiration to his family and friends. 

A funeral service will be held in the Chapel at Memorial Park Funeral Home on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 2:00 PM. Interment will follow at Alta Vista Cemetery. Reverend Johnny Thompson, Reverend Scott Waters, and Reverend Steve Brannon will officiate the service. The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Memorial Park Funeral Home.

Mr. Thompson is preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Clyde and Pauline McClure; and sister-in-law, Mela Thompson.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Judy Ann McClure Thompson of Gainesville; daughters, Tracy Thompson Gravitt (Steven) of Gainesville, Denise Thompson Fortner (Wendall) of Gainesville; son, Rev. Johnny Thompson (Sandra Dutton Thompson) of Gainesville; grandchildren, Bryn Cooper (Pam Spivey Cooper), Cari  Cooper Suttles (Michael Suttles), Emily Cooper-Lopez (Brian Lopez), Tori Thompson Bonilla (Sergio Bonilla), Rylee Michelle Thompson, Ethan Wayne Thompson; sister of Sandra Thompson, Janey Dutton; brother,  Jimmy A Thompson; sister,  Judy Waters (Randall); 1 great-grandchild, Margot Evelyn Lopez, and a number of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Victory Baptist Church, 145 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 in support of the music ministry.

Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Drive, Gainesville, Georgia 30504 is in charge of the arrangements.

Send online condolences to memorialparkfuneralhomes.com 

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