Mr. Thompson & Family Move

Mr. Gerald Thompson is easy to spot, especially amongst crowd of kindergarteners.  Even if you don’t know his name or you’ve never talked to him, you are sure to recognize this soft-spoken “giant”, who, at 6 feet 2 inches tall, towers over the 5 and 6 year olds he helps teach day in and day out at North Topsail Elementary.  As a teacher’s assistant to North Topsail kindergarteners for the last 6 years, Gerald Thompson has become a beloved member of our children’s lives.  For those of us who have been fortunate enough to have our children in his class, you already know what I am talking about.  Our kids come home with stories of playing “blast off” on the playground (where Mr. Thompson pulls them back on the swings and the lets them swing forward) or numerous crafts and drawings that Mr. Thompson helped them create. Additionally, as a morning and afternoon bus driver, he is the adult we turn our children over to each morning after we kiss them goodbye, and the adult who returns them safely to us at the end of each school day.  For the last six years, he has spent each day surrounded by our kids. From picking up his first student at 6 a.m. to dropping off the last student at 4 p.m., he is literally surrounded by children ALL day. Honestly, I don’t know how he does it…But boy am I thankful!  

As I learned of Mr. Thompson’s plan to retire at the end of this school year, my heart was selfishly filled with sorrow.  I realized that Mr. Thompson had not only become a daily member of my children’s lives, but also mine.  I also realized that for someone who has taken the time to know, care for, and teach my children so intently over the last few years, I never took the time to get to know him, which brought me to this point and inspired me to write this piece.

Growing up in a military family, Mr. Thompson moved from California to Ohio in 1970.  After high school, he felt the call to serve our country as a member of the United States Army.  During his Army career, he met and married his wife, Gail and together they had 3 children.  Mr. Thompson retired from the Army after 20 years of honorable service, at which time he decided to pursue a career in education.

Planting roots in eastern North Carolina wasn’t always his plan, however, the need to provide care for ailing family members became a priority, so the Thompson’s found their way to our community. Mr. Thompson has spent the majority of his time here putting others before himself.  Between caring for his own parents, raising his grandson, teaching our children, and getting them to and from school safely each day, his genuine care and love for others is unquestionable.  His lifetime of service to others is truly inspirational.  In his own words, Mr. Thompson states that “it has been an honor and a privilege to serve such an awesome school and community,” but the privilege has been all ours.

To honor and thank Mr. Gerald Thompson for his hard work, dedication, and service to our county, our community, and our children, we would like to assist him and his wife as they transition into retirement. Their desire to move south in order to be closer to family is currently hindered by some financial strain.  In an effort to lighten this load, we are raising money to assist with this move and to show our love and support for a man who has poured out his own love into the lives of our little ones. If you are inclined to contribute, please feel free to make a donation via this GoFundMe page. Additionally, we are hosting a BBQ fundraiser on Saturday, May 19th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Gathering (Surf City Baptist Church) located at 304 Wilmington Ave, Surf City, NC 28445 for which all proceeds will go to Mr. and Mrs. Thompson.