R.J. Thompson

Ronald J. "Hank" Thompson, age 69, passed away peacefully with his family at his side after a courageous battle with cancer. He was preceded by his parents, Robin Jewell Thompson and Joseph David Thompson. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 45 years, Nancy Troupe Thompson; two sons, Nicholas Craig Thompson and wife Teena and Lance Douglas Thompson; and one daughter, Amanda Thompson Jordan and husband Jon. He is also survived by four grandchildren; Cody Franklin Lee, Chase Christian Thompson, and Lacey Jean Thompson of Gallatin, and Addison Piper Jordan of Hendersonville; and 16 nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sister, Betty Thompson Morris of Ooltewah, TN. Hank graduated from Isaac Litton High School and while there excelled in baseball, basketball and football, being the captain of all three sports. After attending UT-Martin for two years on a basketball scholarship, he completed his education at the University of Tennessee Knoxville with a degree in electrical engineering. Hank was also a 1st Lieutenant in the Tennessee National Guard. He was a member of Hendersonville First United Methodist Church for 40 years and of the Poe Williams Sunday School Class. After working for TVA for 28 years, he retired to run for Mayor of Hendersonville, having already developed an interest and love for politics while serving as County Commissioner. Hank served for 10 years as Mayor and since 2002 has served as County Executive for Sumner County. He is the only person in Sumner County history to serve as Mayor, County Commissioner, and County Executive. Using his leadership skills and vision, he made many positive changes for the city of Hendersonville and all of Sumner County. His accomplishments include the creation of Indian Lake Boulevard, developing Industrial Park on land that previously had no value to Hendersonville, the Glenbrook shopping area, County Administration building, increasing baseball and soccer facilities, building volleyball courts and the After Prom Breakfast. Hank also served our community by sitting on boards for several organizations, which included Children Are People, Inc., the Jason Foundation, and Youth Inc., and was a member of numerous organizations, which include Homeland Security Region Executive Board, Regional Transit Authority Board, TN Municipal League Board, Sumner County Resource Agency, TN Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, Founding Chairman of the Sumner County E 911 Committee, U.S. Conference of Mayors, Hendersonville and Gallatin Chambers of Commerce, Civitan Club, and Rotary Club. Most importantly Hank was a Christian, a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He leaves behind a legacy of honor and determination that will be carried on by his family and friends. Our sincere appreciation goes to Dr. Kenneth Hande and Dr. Robert Miller and their staff at Vanderbilt.
Visitation with the family will be in the sanctuary at Hendersonville First United Methodist church on Tuesday, July 8th from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be at also at HFUMC on Wednesday, July 9th at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. Ben Alford and Rev. Ben Alexander officiating. Interment will be at Hendersonville Memory Gardens. Active Pallbearers: Cody Lee, Chase Thompson, Bruce Graves, James Young, John Bradley, David Pigna, Paul Goode, Mike Fussell, and Jim Hooker. Honorary Pallbearers, Poe-Williams Class. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to HFUMC Children First Preschool, in care of Diana Waller, 217 East Main St., Hendersonville, TN 37075; Youth Incorporated, 1160 Gallatin Pike South, Madison, TN 37115, or Children Are People, P.O. Box 335, Hendersonville, TN 37077. HENDERSONVILLE MEMORY GARDENS AND FUNERAL HOME. 615-824-3855