Joe A. Thompson, 93

October 30, 1931  –  December 31, 2024

TUPELO – Joe Amos Thompson spent his long, productive life as a Southern Baptist preacher who was unashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and sharing it with thousands of parishioners – the plan of salvation and the rewards of knowing Jesus and having eternal life. Joe was born on a farm in Attala County (Kosciusko), Mississippi on October 30, 1931. He realized the promises of his lifetime of serving God and humanity when he met Jesus face to face from Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo on Tuesday, December 31, 2024. Joe graduated from Kosciusko High School, received his BA from Mississippi College and completed his theological education at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

Bro. Thompson pastored churches in central and south Mississippi many years, spent over 25 years as Senior Pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church in Blytheville, Ark., and completed his pastorate in a small country Baptist Church in Arkansas. After he moved back to Mississippi, he was in great demand as a supply pastor and revivalist. A great Biblical scholar, Bro. Joe knew the scriptures with great intellect and profound delivery. He loved reading and studying the Bible and sharing the word of God all his life. A man of dry wit and keen intellect, he was blatantly honest with the Gospel and in his approach to his fellow man. What you saw was what you got! A master woodworker, he could do most anything with his hands and created many masterpieces out of wood which today are prized possessions. He was a member of the First Baptist Church-Plantersville at his death.

A service reflecting his faith and celebrating his victory will be held at 3 PM Saturday, January 4, 2025 at First Baptist Church-Plantersville with Bro. Jerry Estes, his longtime close friend officiating, assisted by Bro. Tim King, the current pastor. Visitation will begin at 2 PM Saturday. The service may be viewed on the First Baptist Church Plantersville Facebook page at 3 PM Saturday. Holland Funeral Directors is honored to be serving their friends.

Bro. Joe leaves behind his wife, Jean Hendrick Thompson of Tupelo and her family; several grandchildren including Shelby Moore of Blytheville, who maintains the Thompson family residence there. He was preceded in death by his parents; his two children, Derwood Thompson and Beverly Thompson; his first wife, Elizabeth “Liz” Thompson, the mother of his children; his second wife, Sue Weeks Thompson; and a baby brother.

The family asks that memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the Salvation Army, 527 Carnation St., Tupelo, MS 38804. Condolences may be posted to Bro. Joe’s obituary page at hollandfuneraldirectors.com.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.