Buddy Thompson Obituary, Death – On July 12, 2016, Edgar Earl (Buddy) Thompson passed away. Born on January 22, 1947, in Grenada, Mississippi, he attended John Rundle High School before attending Mississippi State University, where he earned his BA and MA in English. He wrote his Master’s thesis on Johnson Jones Hooper, an Old South comedian. At Mississippi State, he was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He also earned doctorate degrees in English and counselling psychology from the University of Mississippi.
Buddy (as he was always known) had two careers and was extremely successful in both. He taught English for 13 years at Northwest Community College in Senatobia, and previously at Bevell Community College in Fayette, Alabama, Lurleen B. Wallace State Community College in Andalusia, Alabama, and Hinds Community College in Raymond, Mississippi. He enjoyed photography as a serious passion during his initial job. Then, in his forties, he switched careers, becoming a professional photographer, first in Senatobia and then in Grenada, while continuing to write as a pastime.
Buddy and his wife, Beverly, worked at E. E. Thompson Photography in Grenada as a true team, complimenting one other’s skills behind the camera and on the computer. They were both members of the Professional Photographers of Mississippi-Alabama and served as President of the organisation. Buddy was a great portrait photographer; he and Beverly were able to catch genuine emotions of personality. And his work included family pictures, senior portraits, and professional photographs for people of all ages. His paintings can be found in homes and businesses throughout North Mississippi. The Professional Photographers of Mississippi-Alabama was very important to him, and he and his professional photography colleagues were tremendously supportive of one another when they were unwell or overburdened.
Buddy loved animals and was a gentle touch for an abandoned dog or cat, and he was a devoted carer as his pets aged. But his and Beverly’s favourite pet was usually a toy poodle, which was frequently named after authors or literary characters. He enjoyed reading literature, history, and religion. He was particularly fond of Mississippi authors, and he was fascinated by Presbyterian history. He relished preparing for and teaching a Sunday School session at his home church, First Presbyterian Church in Grenada, where he was an Elder and is now Clerk of Session. First Presbyterian was close to his heart, and he was dedicated to its function and maintenance, always devoting time and attention to the needs of the little church and the historic structure. In terms of importance to that church, he was second only to his lovely mother. He had a really ecumenical view, always on the lookout for new opportunities and missions. He was a firm believer in community benevolence, which involved the church assisting those in need in the community. He was a long-time member of the Grenada Lions Club and the Senatobia Civitan Club, where he served as President.
His wife of 47 years, Beverly Vance Thompson, and his brother Joe and Emilie Thompson of Starkville survive him. His parents, Joe and Bernice Thompson of Grenada, predeceased him. Sharon and Bill Daly, Jimmy and Merrill Vance, both of Grenada, and nephews Douglass Thompson, Starkville; Preston Daly, Golden, Colorado; Vance Daly, Hernando, Mississippi; and Josh Daly, West Palm Beach, Florida, are among survivors. Terri Lynn Bays Hall of Oxford, Barry Bays of Cleveland, and Melody Bays Burrell of Winona are among those honoured.