Alvin Vachal Thompson

Alvin (Al) Vachal Thompson, age 82 of Richmond Hill, Georgia, passed away Monday, July 31, in Lancaster, South Carolina.  He was born in Tifton, Georgia to the late J.O. and Louise Thompson on August 20, 1934.

Al was a veteran of the Vietnam War, proudly serving three tours.  He retired honorably from the Army in 1976 as a Master Sergeant.  Although the military was always in his blood, Al also went on to serve Liberty County with his Nationwide Insurance Agency.  His other passion was a 40 plus year career as a sports official with the Hinesville Officials Association, proudly officiating high school football until he was 79 years old.  It was truly a labor of love.  Al was a long-time member of the Richmond Hill Church of Christ, and also previously served as an Elder in the Hinesville Church of Christ.

Al is survived by his wife, Carolyn Thompson, his daughter Vicki Cronk, his son and daughter-in-law, John and Jill Thompson, his step daughter and son-in-law, Shelley and Richard Kucharek, two brothers, Jerry and Jimmy Thompson, three sisters, Patricia Waller, Patsy Grange and Betty Jean Boone.  Al was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary (Tobi) Thompson, a daughter, Cindi Copeland, a brother, Buck Thompson, and a sister, JoAnn Deverger.  He also leaves behind ten grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and numerous loving family and friends.

Visitation will be at Carter Funeral Home Oglethorpe Chapel in Hinesville this Thursday from 6-8pm.  The funeral service will be 11am Friday at the Hinesville Church of Christ.  Burial with Full Military Honors will be in Hinesville Cemetery.

The family requests donations to the American Cancer Society in lieu of flowers.

Carter Funeral Home Oglethorpe Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.CarterOglethorpe.com.