John Henry Thompson

Retired Master Sergeant John Henry Thompson, age 79, of Gainesville died March 28 at the Northeast GA Medical Center in Gainesville.

Sgt. Thompson was a native of Virginia. He served in the U.S. army for 22 years. He was a retired Master Sergeant. He served 5 tours of duty in Vietnam and also served in the Korean War. He received one Silver Star and two Bronze Stars and other medals. He was an instructor at Camp Frank D. Merrill Ranger Camp in Dahlonega and was a military instructor in Saudi Arabia. He served in the 5th Special Forces in Vietnam. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

He was the son of the late Floyd Massie Thompson and Leafie Campbell Thompson. He was also preceded in death by brothers, Raymond, James, and George Thompson.

He is survived by his wife, Opal Gilstrap Thompson, Gainesville, GA; daughter, MaryAnn(Ralph) Black, Duluth, GA; sons, Stephen (Sue) Thompson, Dawsonville, GA, William (Irena) Thompson, Danielsville, GA, Troy (Carole) Thompson, Saucier, Mississippi. Richard Thompson, Gainesville, GA, and Randall Thompson, Oakridge, Tennessee; sisters, Dorothy "Sister" Bickers, Jenny (Guy) DeHooge; brothers, William (Jackie) Thompson, Freddie (Lori) Thompson, Roger Thompson ,and Glenn Thompson; grandchildren, John Thompson, Jennifer Lee, Taylor Thompson, Ella Black, Trey Black, Alex and Nick Black. Numerous other relatives also survive.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2 PM March 31 at Banister Funeral Home Chapel in Dahlonega.

Rev. Michael Kirby will officiate.

Interment will follow in Bethlehem-Jones Chapel Cemetery in Dahlonega, GA.

The family will receive friends from 5-9 p.m. March 30 and on Saturday until the service time at Banister Funeral Home in Dahlonega.

Banister Funeral Home of Dahlonega is in charge of arrangements.