Robert J. Thompson (Big T), of Manhattan, New York passed away on Thursday, May 23, 2019, after reaching the age of 69 years old. After months of failing health, he died peacefully within his home in Jacksonville, North Carolina with his Beloved wife Donna by his side.

Robert was born on August 7, 1949, in Manhattan, NY to Rochelle Mae Thompson and Lee Thompson. As a boy, he lived mostly in a very small apartment with his mother, father and 4 brothers/sisters working odd jobs to support himself and his family.

As a very young man, he learned to work hard and to take on whatever job was available to support himself. He worked as a musician, truck driver, operator, and a shoe cleaner if necessary.

He was an early entrepreneur and ran several “small businesses”.

In 1965, he met the love of his life, Donna Harris. They lived together almost inseparable for over 54 years. The early times were difficult financially; Robert and Donna made many tough choices in those days, including leaving their 6 children to be kept for a time in Brooklyn, New York by Robert’s mother Rochelle Mae Thompson, while they made their way to Buffalo, NY.

While in Buffalo, Robert worked many jobs, but primarily as a Crane Operator with Republic Steel. Alongside him, Donna also worked many jobs but spent most of their working years together as Robert's beautiful assistant/technician for their DJ business they started together on Box Avenue.

They lived in Buffalo in homes on MLK Park and Emerson and together raised 6 children, living there for over 35 years. In 2000, they returned to Jacksonville, NC to live on the land his mother left for him until his death.

He came to know Jehovah and dedicated his life in 1996 in Buffalo, NY. He believed in the resurrection hope and told others about God’s Kingdom.

Robert loved music and played harmonica and guitar to entertain friends and family. Baseball was his one true sport. He loved to watch and even played catch with his sons and grandchildren. He loved to be with family and was always up for a picnic, reunion or gathering of friends.

He was a strong patriarch of his family, a good friend to all, a man who would give his shirt for a friend.

He was a good father who always took care of his children and did the best he could to teach and guide them, a loving grandfather and “great-grand” father to many.

A man who never cared much about himself and who even in his final days would say to his loved ones, “just to take care of “Donna” when I’m gone”.

Robert was a strong, proud and good man. He is loved and will be missed by many!

He is preceded in death by parents, Rochelle Mae Northard Thompson and Lee Thompson; children, Robert Thompson, Jr., Ramona Coleman, Henry Thompson and Clarissa Thompson; grandchildren, Nia Coleman , Starlett Thompson, Justin Kevler and Sisco Baker,; brothers, Nolan Thompson and Henry Thompson; and sister, Lisa Thompson.

Mr. Thompson is survived by loving wife, Donna Janelle Thompson of Jacksonville, NC; children, Robert Thompson Jr. (Judith) of Dublin, GA, Starlett Thompson (Brian) of Seattle, WA, Henry Thompson of Buffalo, NY and Clarissa Thompson (Carol) of Grand Rapids, MI; 36 Grandchildren; 40 Great Grandchildren; 4 Great Great Grandchildren; brother, Nolan Thompson of Ohio; a host of nieces, nephews and other beloved friends and relatives; and beloved extended family, Robert and Diane Harris.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at 1PM from the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses White Oak Congregation.