Richard M. Thompson, Jr,

August 28, 1946 - July 12, 2021

Richard "Rick" Mason Thompson, Jr. of Leesburg, VA was born on August 28, 1946 in Washington, DC and raised in Sunset Hills, Fairfax County, VA. He was the third child and first son of Richard Mason Thompson, Sr. and Ethel Marie Benjamin Thompson. A proud Hornet, Richard graduated from Herndon High School in 1965, and for many years following graduation, would attend the Homecoming football games. He met his bride of 49 years and love of his life, Barbara, in November 1971, became engaged three months later on Valentine's Day in 1972 and married on July 1 ^st the same year. Richard and Barbara had one child three years later--a daughter Christina "Christy". Prior to the birth of their daughter, Rick and Barbara could be found nearly every Saturday night at Hunter's Lodge dance hall in Fairfax, VA. Richard had a passion for music and would frequently have his "oldies but goodies" playing in the house or garage when working on projects. Richard took tremendous pride in his home, cars, and yard and would work tirelessly keeping them all beautifully maintained. A faithful, loving, and generous husband, father, grandfather, and friend; he was always willing to lend a tool to a neighbor or help a friend in need. He was the proud "Poppy" of his three adult grandchildren, Alex, Olivia "Gracie", and Beau Pierce. They have fond memories of "Poppy" picking them up on the weekend and taking them to the 7-11 for a slurpee or out for ice cream….or both.

You could catch Richard every summer at the Outer Banks waking early, grabbing his fishing gear and heading to the surfside to drop a line in before the beach goers even had their morning coffee. Richard's love of fishing originated in his childhood when he and his father, Richard, Sr. would frequent the local fishing hole. When not on vacation, he'd wake at 4 am, drink a pot of coffee and read the daily newspaper in its entirety. He stayed up-to-date on all the current events. On the rare occasion that he would watch TV, Richard would tune into a baseball game with his beloved pup Cassie curled up on his lap. He loved watching the "O's" play and loved to tell the story of meeting Cal Ripken, Jr. at the local Roy Rogers and of the autographed baseball proudly displayed in his home.

Richard adored his two older sisters who also reside in Northern Virginia and would often meet up with them at the local IHOP or Roy's for a leisurely lunch reminiscing of the good ole' days.

Richard spent his entire career--over 40 years, working at various Safeway's in the Northern Virginia area--retiring from the Great Falls store in 2003. He made lifelong friends throughout the years. Following retirement, Richard took up the hobby of making vibrant whirligigs that he never sold but instead generously gave away to friends and family to display in their gardens.

In addition to Barbara Thompson and Christy Pierce, Richard is survived by his two sisters Thelma Thompson Brown and Barbara Hoy Powell; his three grandchildren, Alex Pierce, Grace Pierce, and Beau Pierce; sister-in-law Sharon Kane and children Caroline and Philip, brothers-in-law Bill Powell and Richard Pane; nieces Charlet Shriner, Kathleen Haley, Jessica Pane, Lauren White, and Diane Blue; several great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends--one in particular is their cherished family friend, Sandra "Sandy" Pierce.

Services will be 10:00 AM-Noon on Monday, July 19, at Colonial Funeral Home in Leesburg, VA with a graveside service to follow at Chestnut Grove Cemetery in Herndon, Fairfax County, VA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the local SPCA or any organization that supports Veterans.