Obituary of Donnie Thompson, Sr.

Donnie Thompson was born January 1, 1947 in Greensville, SC to Charles “Buck” Thompson and Susan Williams Thompson. He attended school in Williamstown, SC until the 6th grade. Donnie started working at the age of 10 with his father and brothers digging wells, etc. in SC. Later, he moved to Philadelphia, PA with his father and siblings in the mid 1960’s.

Donnie worked in the construction field all of his life. He had built three houses from the ground up in New Jersey and South Carolina. He had worked for his brother James who also had a construction company. Donnie had his own construction company called Don’s Mechanical Service and Masonry Contractors, Inc. with his wife Dorothy for over 10 years. He and his wife also owned two stores in Philadelphia. He was a “jack of all trades” and still helping people and singing.

Donnie married Dorothy Hairston on May 11, 1969 and from that union three children were born: Dorthea, Donnie Jr. and Jeremiah. Also, Donnie had two stepchildren, Jessie M. Frugale and Raymond L. Hairston. In addition to his children, Donnie had approximately 35 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. To name a few, Tamyra, Victor, Lil’ Clarence, Donnie III, Joseph, Christopher, Isaiah, Frederick, Micaiah, D’Andre, Nathaniel, Nate, Joshua, Daniel, Samuel, Demetrius, Ladysha, Adoni, Nevaeh, Martin, Miah and Destiny. Great grands: Jaden, Tyanna, Niah, A’riah, Amavi and the list goes on.

Donnie also leaves to mourn his sisters, Genevieve, Alice and Mary; brothers Tommy, Louie and a host of nieces and nephews.

Donnie was a member of The New Galilee Baptist Church and a host of others. He was ordained as a Deacon in 1970 under Pastor L. S. Jones of Christ Memorial Baptist Church and later God called him into the ministry where he was ordained an Elder. Because of the travels and street ministry, he travelled throughout the tri-state area singing praises unto God and many souls were saved.

Donnie started a singing group in 1969, he and his wife performed on WCAM radio station, Camden, NJ with Ron Scott and Dave Howard. He soon named the two of them The Gospel D’s and later changed to The Fabulous Gospel D’s. They traveled all over the tri-state area; singing in Lawnside, NJ, the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, NJ, the street corners of Philadelphia, the radio station WCAM Camden, WDAS Philadelphia and radio/television stations in Delaware. Where ever he would go, he would sing praises unto God. He even had his brothers and sisters singing. His favorite songs were “Waiting for my child to come home, Around God’s Throne, and That’s Alright”. His children sang and they were called The Little Gospel D’s and now their children sing and perform and are called Third Generation.

Donnie, even when he was sick still sang praises unto God. He was always uplifting others through songs. His favorite passage in the Bible was John 14:1-3.

His wife Dorothy stood by his side for over 49 years. He was in long term care at Aristacare in Cherry Hill, NJ where he still sang and brought joy to others. He will definitely be missed. But even though we all loved him, God loved him the most and took Donnie home to be with Him to sing in the Heavenly choir along with his twin brother Lonnie, his other brothers, sisters and parents.

Mr. T. as his wife Dorothy would call him will be missed.

We love you!