Mr. Wilfred Gabriel Thompson Jr.

His Life Story: Wilfred Gabriel Thompson, Jr., was born May 6, 1932 to Fannie Kathryn and Wilfred Thompson, Sr. in Gary, West Virginia. Along with his given name, Wilfred had several aka’s. Because of his handsome face and wavy hair he was affectionately known as “Gabe,” he was Gary, WV’s black Clark Gable. He was also affectionately called “Unk” by his loving nieces and nephews, known as “Pops” to his many business associates, and last but not least called “PaPa” by his legacy of loving great-grandchildren. After a long hard fight with many illnesses, Wilfred made it crystal clear to his Saviour, family, friends, and doctors that he had only one “goal” left in this life, to see his wife of 62 years. By the grace of God, on January 19, 2014 that prayer was answered. When his eyes beheld her face he smiled and said “my baby sho looks good to me! On January 23, 2014 Wilfred peacefully departed this life to live with the Lord. Wilfred was the youngest son of the late Mrs. Kathryn (Kate) McLilly. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a wonderful father figure Lee McLilly, two brothers, Harry Sylvester (Thelma) Newbill, Bishop Joe A. (Naomi) Hairston, Sr., one sister, Julia Carpenter, one grandaughter, LaDawn Thompson, and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Gabe was truly a “people person”! He loved to laugh and make others laugh. Even though he was a very soft spoken man and possessed a quiet demeanor, many say he missed his calling because he had a natural ability to tell stories, which would have you laughing to the point of tears. He will always be remembered for his beautiful smile, his kindness, his special sense of style, which included a love of cowboy hats and boots, and his Great Memory. Wilfred was an avid sports fan and loved to have family and friends over to watch his beloved Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Loins, Tigers, and Pistons, while eating some of Thelma’s cooking. He not only loved professional sports but college football and basketball as well, especially the West Virginia Mountaineers. Wilfred graduated from Gary District High School, as class president. Gabe proudly and effectively participated in both basketball and football as captain and was honored to be a Gary Bulldog. He truly loved Gary District High School and wore his blue and gold with great pride. He was a member of the Detroit Chapter Gary District High School Alumni Association, where he served as treasurer for several years. He was also a member of the Masonic Masons in West Virginia. One of his greatest joys was attending the Gary District High School Reunions where he could reunite with old classmates, teammates, teachers, and relatives to reminisce about the good old Gary spirit and life in West Virginia. It was a joy to see him have the entire room in “stitches” as he put his comedic spin on the “facts” of the good old days. He was united in marriage on December 15, 1951 to Thelma Jeannette Horton, his loving and devoted wife of 62 years. To this union was born two sons, Wilfred Gerone and Giordanio, one daughter, Valerie Tawana. Wilfred was a wonderful provider, a devoted husband and father, and an extremely hard worker. He worked for United States Steel in the coal mines of West Virginia. After several years, Wilfred moved his family to Detroit, Michigan to seek a better life. In Michigan, his great desire for his family to have the better things in life was his driving force to work two jobs at a one time. He was employed by the Detroit News for many years working the midnight shift, while working days at Spicer Floors. Wilfred developed a love for the floor sanding business and opened his own business, Thompson Floor Sanding. Thompson Floor Sanding was blessed to become very successful, and Wilfred enjoyed sharing his work days with his sons, grandsons, nephews, and others employees. After attending Gate To Glory Apostolic Faith Church for several years, Wilfred was baptized in Jesus’ Name on December 18, 2011. He was a loyal and faithful member of Gate To Glory Apostolic Faith Church in Detroit. He would sit in the back of the church in his wheelchair and softly pat his hands and feet during the services. Wilfred would often remark on the ride home about how wonderful the Saints were for assisting him. Many times during his long illness he could be heard singing the songs of Zion and praying softly to the Lord saying “Lord please have mercy on me.” Wilfred (Gabriel) Thompson, Jr., was a true family man who will be greatly missed. We will always love you. Rest in peace.

Mr. Wilfred Gabriel Thompson Jr.

May 6, 1932 - January 23, 2014