Rev. Dr. Richard D. Thompson Sr. – October 17, 2015
The Rev. Dr. Richard D. Thompson Sr., a retired Elder, died Oct. 17, 2015, in Baltimore. The Rev. Rod Miller officiated at a funeral service at Towson UMC Oct. 21.
Richard David Thompson was born Jan. 7, 1929, in Baltimore, to Richard Henry and Naomi (Pritchett) Thompson. He attended Towson High School, the University of Maryland and earned a doctorate from the University of Maryland Law School before his call to ministry.
Richard Thompson and Mary “Molly” Buckingham graduated from Towson High School together, married in 1951, and went to seminary at Duke Divinity together where he received his degree in 1954.
They had two children. She died in November 2004 after 53 years of marriage.
Thompson began his ministerial career in 1955 at Winfield, followed by Walkersville in 1957, Lexington Park in 1962, and Fort Washington in 1967 where he stayed until 1976. From 1976 to 1980, he served St. Paul UMC in Laytonsville, followed by Salem in Upper Falls, 1976-1980. He took a Leave of Absence in 1980 and retired in 1985. However, he was called back into ministry in 2007 to his charge church, Providence UMC in Towson, until 2012.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Phyllis L. Thompson.
Survivors include his son, Richard D. Thompson Jr. of Walkersville, and two grandchildren and their spouses.
Condolences may be sent to his son at 43 Main St., P.O. Box 254, Walkersville, MD 21793.
Memorial gifts may be made to Towson UMC, 501 Hampton Lane, Towson, MD 21286 or Providence UMC, 1320 Providence Toad, Towson, MD 21286.