Neal Anthony Thompson

Neal Anthony Thompson, son of the late James L. Thompson and Susie L. Thompson, was born April 2, 1962, in Oxford, Mississippi. Neal was baptized at an early age and in 2004, he joined the East St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church in Abbeville, Mississippi. Neal's parents knew he would be great when he was born because they named him NEAL, which means CHAMPION. And a champion he was.

Neal received his formal education in the Oxford School District and was a proud graduate of the Magnificent class of 1980. On December 24, 2004, he married his soul mate, Linda Marie Wadley and they were the proud parents of three loving children: Patrick, Tyler and Sherneal. 

Champions stand out, and Neal was a standout because he was the Head Bartender at The Gin Restaurant back in the day, and then he went on to become a KFC Quality Food employee. Champions exhibit dedication and resilience. Neal was dedicated to his family. Dedicated to his church where he was a Sunday School teacher, sang with Male Chorus and served with the Men's Ministry of East St. Peter (ESP). This champion stood out, AND, stood up for Christ. 

Anyone that knew Neal knew he loved to make people laugh. He enjoyed watching western movies (there was always a champion in a good western), he enjoyed wrestling (always a champion in a wrestling match) and he loved the History Channel (you will always find a champion when you discover the history). And, he was also a Dallas Cowboy fan, (champions, not so much, but Neal was dedicated to them).

On Thursday, March 6, 2025, Neal went to be with the real Champion. The one he met at an early age. The greatest champion of all, Jesus Christ, the one whom he was truly dedicated to. 

He leaves to cherish his memories: his loving wife: Linda Thompson, of Abbeville MS; his children: Patrick Wadley of Jonesboro GA, Tyler Thompson and Sherneal Thompson both of Abbeville MS; his grandson: Kylan Thompson; his brothers: Leon Thompson and Roy Thompson both of Oxford MS, Marcus Thompson of Southaven MS and James Thompson of Arlington TX; his sisters: Martha Bibbs, Linda (Charles) Fox, Alisa Thompson, Barbara Thompson and Kristi Thompson all of Oxford MS, Earlene Thompson of Bartlett TN, Vickey Thompson of Fayetteville GA and Tammie (Chris) Hairston of Taylor MS; his uncle: James "Jake" Hewlett of Oxford MS and a brother-in-law: Willis (Tywanda) Wadley of Abbeville MS. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Neal is preceded in death by his parents: James and Susie Thompson; and a brother: Lewis Thompson; his mother in law: Rosie Mae Wadley; sister-in-law: Pearlie Clark and brother-in-law: James Wadley, Jr. 

Please keep the Thompson family lifted in prayer.