Dempsey Harrison Thompson

Dempsey Harrison Thompson, age 85, of Asheboro died Sunday, April 27, 2014 at Carillon Assisted Living of Asheboro. Mr. Thompson was born May 25, 1928 in Asheboro to Henry and Aggie Thompson. He was retired from Klaussner Furniture and was a member of Landmark Baptist Church. Dempsey was a multitalented professional musician, playing the electric guitar, steel guitar and piano. He was the lead guitarist for Country Music Hall of Fame artist Jimmy C. Newman "The Cajun Cowboy" and played on the Grand Ole Opry in 1958 and 1961. Dempsey was also known for the 1950's live country music show "Dempsey Thompson and the Drifting Playboys: which aired on WGWR in Asheboro. In later years he developed a love for gospel music, playing for his church, became lead guitarist for the Christian Praise Singers and the steel guitarist for the Faith Gospel Singers. Dempsey loved music as seen by his talent, but most of all he loved his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Dempsey was preceded in death by his sons, Douglas Harrison Thompson and Glenn Henry Thompson and granddaughter, Christy Thompson. He is survived by his wife, Edith Ingold Thompson; sons, Mike Thompson and wife Cathy of Asheboro, Wyatt Thompson and wife Wendy of Asheboro, Danny Thompson and wife Beth of Troy, Tim Thompson and wife Tammi of Pineville, Willie Thompson and wife Ann of Sophia; daughter, Teresa Hill of Asheboro; 17 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; brother, David Thompson of Trinity; sisters, Lucille Russell, Ruby Hill, Gladys Smith, Helen Barrett and husband Rev. Frank Barrett all of Asheboro, Faye Thompson and husband Jeff Whiting of Greensboro. The family will receive friends Wednesday, April 30, 2014 from 6 - 8 PM at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue, Asheboro and other times at the home of Wyatt Thompson, 789 Laurel Dr., Asheboro. Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 1, 2014 at 2:00 PM at Landmark Baptist Church, 2816 Spoons Chapel Rd., Asheboro with Rev. Frank Barrett and Rev. John Reece officiating. Burial will be in Smyrna Grove Community Church Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Alzheimers Association, Western Carolina Chapter, 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215-3220 or Landmark Baptist Church, 2816 Spoons Chapel Rd., Asheboro, NC 27205.