George Thompson

George William Thompson (G.W.) passed away peacefully at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, Georgia, on January 9, 2023, after a brief illness. He was surrounded by his loving family.

G.W. was born in Tattnall County, Georgia, on May 28, 1937, and was a lifelong resident of Glennville attending Tattnall County schools. He served several years in the Georgia National Guard. G.W. was employed with ITT Rayonier Pine Tree Nursery in Glennville for 43 years and served in a supervisory position for the majority of that time.  He was a lifelong, family farmer and was one of the early growers of Vidalia Sweet Onions in Tattnall County.

As a Vidalia Onion farmer, G.W. served as the first president of the Glennville Sweet Onion Committee.  He was also a charter member of the Rotary Club of Glennville.  G.W. served for 38 years as the Tattnall County Commissioner for the 3rd District.  He was vice-chairman of the board of commissioners for many years and was the liaison for the county yard and road crew.

Even with his busy work life and community involvement, G.W.’s priorities were his family and his relationship with Jesus Christ.  He married Marvelle on October 27, 1963, and would have celebrated 60 years of marriage this year.  They were blessed with four children. G.W. was a faithful member of Ella Grove Baptist Church where he served as Sunday School teacher, song leader, church clerk, and deacon.

G.W. enjoyed fishing, spending time in his yard, and traveling with his family.  In retirement, he regularly attended school and athletic events of his grandchildren.

G.W. is survived by his wife, Marvelle, and children: John (Glenda), Mark (Christy), Jana (Chris) Reaves, and Paul (Christi); 18 Grandchildren: Preston (Whitney) Gibbs, Taylor Tootle, Madeline Thompson, Tyler Thompson, Emily Thompson, Gracie Thompson, Daylyn Reaves, MaryClaire Thompson, Christopher Reaves, Katie Thompson, Sarah Thompson, Karaleena Reaves, Kerith Reaves, Celina Reaves, Julia Thompson, Eben Thompson, Frances Reaves, Caleb Thompson, and Savannah Thompson. He was “Papa” to several foster grandchildren who adored him; 2 great grandchildren: Remington Lee Tootle and Delaney Kay Gibbs.  He is survived by siblings Carolyn Sands and Rommie Thompson.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.

G.W. is preceded in death by parents Aden and Lennie Rogers, siblings Lizzie Strickland, Florrie Booth, Lawrence “Buck” Thompson, Ruby Dawkins, Corrine McCall, Celina Sharpe, Chris Durrence, Azeph Rogers, and Gene Rogers.

Visitation will be held, Saturday, January 14, 2023 from 5 until 8 pm, at Brannen Kennedy Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be held at Sunday 3:00 pm, January 15, 2023 at the chapel of Brannen-Kennedy Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Glennville City Cemetery.

Remembrances may be made to: Ella Grove Baptist Church, PO Box 971, Glennville, Georgia 30427

Care and Services are entrusted to Brannen-Kennedy Funeral Home, Glennville, Georgia