RAY EDWARD THOMPSON

Ray Edward Thompson, 71, husband of Nancy H. Thompson, died on Friday, Dec. 28, 2018, at McLeod Hospice House in Florence.

Born on July 5, 1947, in Hempstead, New York, he was a son of the late Earl C. and Carol King Thompson. Mr. Thompson was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Men's group. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in History from Clemson University and a Master's Degree in Special Education from the University of South Carolina. Mr. Thompson taught special education at Sumter High School for 33 years and served as head of the Special Education Department for more than half of that time. He enjoyed participating in living history and Civil War reenactments. He was an active member of the Sumter County Historical Society, serving as vice president at the time of his death, and volunteered with Christian Charities of Sumter. Mr. Thompson was an Eagle Scout. He served as a Scout leader of Troop 339, Troop 349 and Webelos Pack 305.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years; two sons, Bryant Cesar Thompson of Pittsburgh and Louis Edward Thompson of Sumter.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Aldersgate United Methodist Church with the Rev. David Day and the Rev Henry M. Moody officiating.

The family will receive friends from at 10 to 11 a.m. in the church parlor.

Memorials may be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 211 Alice Drive, Sumter, SC 29150; Sumter SPCA, 1140 S. Guignard Drive, Sumter, SC 29150; or DABO'S ALL IN TEAM Foundation, Clemson LIFE Program, P.O. 1585, Clemson, SC 29633, Attn: Beth Douglas.

Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.