Elijah Kelly Thompson

We’ve lost a bright, shining star and gentle soul.  He is loved beyond all measure.  Elijah was born in Germany.  He was a joyful and wildly friendly little boy who loved to spot the American Flag from the car window while strapped into his car seat.  He adored his big sister, Grover the Blue Monster and rice pudding.  Eli arrived in Richmond Hill as quickly as he could, at the age of seven.  His childhood was one of four-square, fort-building, swimming in his backyard and playing “manhunt” into the night.  The Mallard Lane Gang were his constant companions and partners in mischief for many years of carefree childhood.  His extended neighborhood family was a warm blessing.  He grew into a handsome, athletic and empathetic young man, and forever a proud Wildcat, through and through.  He had a smile and manner so disarming, that he could light up a room…really!  If you had the pleasure of knowing Eli, then you’ve seen it happen. At Richmond Hill High School, he found an appreciation for Shakespeare and was tickled whenever he cleared the category on Jeopardy!  He participated in the Partnerships for Success program, and there, found a soulful fulfillment.  For his efforts, Athletes for a Better World granted him the Vincent J. Dooley Award for Character, Teamwork and Citizenship.  He was also chosen by his peers to carry the title “Mr. Wildcat”, he did so, proudly.  His classmates further honored him by naming him Homecoming King. At Armstrong University he heartily joined Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and dabbled at college…enough said. After college he set out on his journey to find his place.  He had told us that his dream job was to be a therapy dog.  When he learned that could never be, he explored many other, sometimes hilarious options.  Always gaining new insights, meeting new people, and taking in new stories. Eli is survived by his loving and heartbroken parents, Mike and Laura, of The Hill; sister and brother in law, Courtney and Tyler Long; Aunt and Uncle, Lisa and Scott Hazel; Uncle, Bryan Thompson; his one and only cousin, Jacob McCandless Hazel; grandmother, Genevieve Yates;  great grandmother, Florence Arnold; acquired brother Brooks May, and best friend Sam Vernon.  He also leaves behind his three forlorn cats, Poot, Dash and Simba, confused and searching.  Finally, he leaves to treasure his memory, a circle of friends so vast that we are only beginning to grasp the expanse of the love he shared.  He was always ready to help anyone do anything at any time, or to lend an ear or shoulder.  His empathy and concern for others was boundless, but it appears his beautiful, tender vessel had simply given its all.  We don’t yet know the cause of death. Elijah chose cremation. In lieu of flowers, Elijah would love for you to plant a tree, give an animal a forever-home, or get out on the water, look up at the sky, breath deeply, and remember.  Also, please just be a little bit nicer to everyone else.  Additionally, he would be really pissed-off if anyone were to release balloons, on his behalf, into the beautiful lands and waters that he so loved and revered. Please join us to share joyful memories of Elijah, and to tell a few stories that will send his precious soul soaring.  The family will receive friends from 3:00 – 5:00 pm with the Celebration of Life beginning at 5:00 p.m., on Saturday, June 23 at Carter Funeral Home, Bryan Chapel, 10512 Ford Avenue (Hwy 144), Richmond Hill, GA 31324.     “Don’t worry ‘bout a thing,…’cause every little things gonna be alright.”   To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Elijah Kelly Thompson, please visit our flower store.