Robert “Bowley” Thompson

Robert B. Thompson, lovingly known as “Bowley” was given victory over this life and called to glory on
September 13, 2023.

Bowley was born on June 24, 1939, in Westmoreland County, VA. His mother was the late great Virgie Jones, and his father was Elijah Tate (deceased).   He attended Kremlin School and gave his life to Christ at an early age. When asked, Bowley would talk about the memories of his childhood, farm life, hard work, and the way food tasted back then and how much times had changed.  He had the most infectious laugh that could be heard a mile away.  Always having a joke to tell, he could make anyone’s day brighter.  Bowley was a very kind and generous man, highly thought of by his neighbors and community.

Early in his adult life,  Bowley moved to DC to work as a construction laborer.  In December of 1959, he married Clara Mae Gray (deceased).  They had two children. Bowley was very skilled at many things.  He had a great knowledge of cars. Being the good person he was, he would help anyone if they needed him. In the 1980’s,  Bowley pursued his desire to own and drive a dump truck. He along with his cousin Abraham started Thompson Trucking.

As  Bowley got older, his relationship with God increased.  He would read the bible often and always talked with his children and whoever would listen about the love and sacrifice of Christ.  His life reflected as much because the trials and tribulations never brought him down.  In 2016, Bowley was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer and recovered.  If you asked him how he was able to withstand such things, he would simply say, “you have to keep the faith and trust in God to see you through it all!”

In his latter days, Bowley enjoyed retirement.  He began a ritual of calling his son every morning to say, “good morning, you the one, tell me bout it”.  His favorite past time was watching golf and football.  Bowley loved caring for his lawn and planting flowers for which he received many compliments. And, when he was done with the lawn, he would sit on his bench and soak in the sunshine.  He especially enjoyed spending time with family.  He was happiest whenever he saw his grand and great grandchildren. He would do anything for them.  He loved us all very much.  In 2022,  Bowley had a bad cough that just wouldn’t go away.  Finally, he was informed the cancer was back and had spread. Being told he had 2 to 6 months to live,  Bowley was prepared and ready to go from labor to reward. He was the great pillar of this family.

He is survived by:  His son, Barry Thompson (Crystal), his daughter, Gail Gaskin; grandchildren: Shayna Taitt-Thompson (Ylang Ylang), Natasha Snipe (Rick), and Shaun Thompson (Kayla); great-grandchildren: Nataniah, Raegan, Trinity, Aaron and a host of other relatives.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, September 21 at 12 Noon in the sanctuary of the Jerusalem Baptist Church, 2404 Nomini Hall Road, Hague, Virginia.

Interment will follow in the Thompson Family Cemetery, Jerusalem Church Road, Hague, Virginia.

Remains may be viewed from 11AM until service time on Thursday, September 21 at Jerusalem Baptist Church.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert “Bowley” Thompson, please visit our floral store.