Reverend John Newby Thompson

Rev. John Newby Thompson, 86, of Mauldin, was called home to be with the Lord on May 25, 2004. Born in Greenville, he was the son of the late John F. and Mary Henson Thompson. He served in the US Army during WW II. Rev. Thompson was a Minister with the Church of God for over 58 years serving as Pastor in Christopher, IL, East St. Louis, IL, Sweetwater, TN, East Ridge, TN, Greenville and Pendleton, SC. He served as State Youth Director of Illinois and Tennessee and as State Overseer of New Mexico and Louisiana. Rev. Thompson also served on numerous boards and committees and was an original member of the Caravan Quartet in SC. He served the church well with his musical talents. He taught Singing Schools in Illinois, Tennessee, New Mexico and South Carolina. He was the composer of over 150 Gospel songs, but his real passion was witnessing and soul-winning. Surviving are his wife of 59 years, Hilda Hayes Thompson of the home; a daughter, Joy Dougherty and her husband, Mickey of Simpsonville; a son, Gene B. Thompson of Taylors; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Paul H. Thompson. Memorials may be made to the Mauldin Church of God Building Fund, 200 E. Butler Avenue, Mauldin, SC 29662. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Downtown Chapel with visitation prior to the service, from 9:00 until 10:15 a.m. Fellow Ministers are invited to serve as Honor Pallbearers. Entombment will be in Graceland East Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family is at the residence.