Elmer Thompson

Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville announces funeral services for Mr. Elmer C. Thompson, age 84, of Blairsville who passed away Monday, July 1, 2013, at his home.

Elmer was born on December 16, 1928 in Culberson, North Carolina. He spent his childhood there with his parents, Charlie and Dollie Anderson Thompson and four siblings: Blanche, Lois, Fred and James. At the age of 18, Elmer met the girl who would later become his loving wife for 61 years. He and Christine Tate were married on April 12, 1947. Their son, Michael, was born in September of 1952.

Elmer began his teaching career at the Chigger Ridge country school in the Dooley section of Union County when he was 18 years old. In order to obtain a degree in education, Elmer attended Young Harris College, drove a bus load of teachers to North Georgia College, took courses there and finished up his education with 3 six year degrees from Peabody College--the education school of Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. Over the years, Elmer served as a teacher, a Title I Coordinator and as a Principal. He loved teaching and he worked tirelessly at trying to improve education in Union County by helping to bring about the consolidation of the Union County School System. One of Elmer's greatest pleasures in his later years was to meet a former student and have a good chat about the "old school days".

After 35 years of dedicated service in education, Elmer retired in 1984. This time began one of the happiest periods of his life- being a grandfather. Michael married Mildred Moore who had come to Union County to teach and they had one daughter, Leah, who became the Joy of Elmer and Christine's life. Although, Christine passed on in 2009, Elmer was blessed to live to enjoy his great-grandson, Sam. The two became great buddies and spent many happy times together.

Elmer also gave back to his community through active involvement in the Gideon's, Lion's Club and Ivy Log Baptist Church. One of his favorite past times was getting as grimy as possible working in his yard and garden. He raised a huge garden to share with his family and friends each year and that is where the Lord found Elmer when He came to call him home on Monday morning. Elmer will be greatly missed by his many friends and family. He was a kind, loving father, grandfather and a friend to all.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, 2013 from the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville with Rev. Jerry Karnes and Rev. Tony Black officiating. Special music will be provided by Martha Davenport and Becky Rogers. The following gentlemen have been selected to serve as pallbearers: Stephen Thompson, Paul Thompson, Gerald Owenby, Harold Atkins, Bill Floyd and Junior Puett. Honorary escort will include the Union County Lion's Club. Interment will be held at Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 6 until 9 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Gideon's International or the Union County Lion's Club, P.O Box 652, Blairsville, GA 30514.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville