of Benton, AR
July 2, 1933 - June 3, 2019
Sammy Dale Thompson of Benton, Ark., passed away on Monday, June 3, 2019.
Dale was born in Floral, Ark., to Elva and John Thompson on July 2, 1933. He attended Pangburn schools where he met his future wife, Virginia Tole. Dale retired in 1995 as Little Rock Manager after 41 years with Anderson News Company. Upon his retirement, Virginia bought Cherry's Hallmark, and their son Tim soon joined them at the business. Dale began his second career as the right-hand man for whatever needed to be done at the stores. Dale considered it an honor to work with his wife and son. In January, Dale and Virginia celebrated 66 years of marriage.
Dale was a member of First United Methodist Church for over 45 years and served in various capacities, but his two greatest joys were serving as an usher every Sunday morning and serving on the building committee of the West Wing building. Dale was also a member of the Lion's Club of Benton for over 40 years.
In his free time, Dale enjoyed golfing with his friends Tom Taylor, Robbie Wood, and Ralph Jenkins, as well as gardening and fussing with the squirrels. Dale earned the nickname ''Boatman'' because he enthusiastically and selflessly drove the boat for his children, grandchildren, and all of their friends at the family lake house on Greers Ferry Lake. Dale was one of the few people who had the patience to teach scores of friends and family members how to ski. After he retired, one of his favorite pastimes was going back to Pangburn and working the land that the Tole family owns.
Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Elva and John Thompson; two brothers, Herschel and Gerald Thompson; his sister, Margaret Cawthorn; and his daughter Lisa Thompson. He is survived by his wife, Virginia, of Benton; two children, Patti Thompson Ferguson (Max) and Tim Thompson (Heather), both of Little Rock; and seven grandchildren: Heather Ferguson, Andrew Ferguson, Madeline Ferguson Ray (Matthew), Taren Patterson, Claire Thompson, Will Thompson, and Matthew Thompson. He is also survived by ten nieces and nephews: Jerry Thompson and Diane Cook (Jack); Sandra Baldridge, Debbie Dawson (Al), Robert Cawthorn, and Karen McIntosh (Michael); Ron Bridger (Bonnie) and John Bridger (Neita); and Greg Key (Sherri) and Julie Key. Dale will also be missed by his sisters-in-law Wanda Thompson; Katy Bridger (Harley); and Anita Key.
Dale loved life. Every morning, when asked his plans for the day, he would respond, ''I don't know, but whatever it is, it's going to be fun!''
Visitation will be Wednesday, June 5, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM at Roller-Ballard Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 6, at Benton First United Methodist Church at 3:00 PM with Rev. Ben Crismon officiating. A graveside burial service will take place at 10:00 AM on Thursday in Pangburn, Ark., at Henderson Cemetery.
The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to the best caregiver, Brittany Gay, and their church family and friends who provided meals, encouragement, and prayers.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Legacy Fund at First United Methodist Church of Benton.
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13 Condolence(s)
Deb carson
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
I am saddened to learn of Mr. Dales passing. I am very sorry for your loss.
He was always a joy to help when he came to Johnstons.
May God comfort you.
Melissa Nickols
Tuesday, June 11, 2019
May you take comfort in the promises of our Heavenly Father Jehovah God at Isaiah 35:3-6 and Revelation 21:3-5. Years
Donna Lansdowne Freeman
Thursday, June 6, 2019
Dear Virginia and Family, It has been many years since I had seen Dale Thompson at Anderson News (Siebert's). He and my mother, Ruth Lansdowne, worked together for many years until she retired in 1984. He was really good to my mother considering our circumstances with our Dad. Never heard him say an unkind word at Anderson News, or heard him berate an employee. I am glad to know he had a great retirement and got to do things he really loved and cared about. He leaves behind a great legacy and I know you and your family will miss him, but see him again when your time comes. May God bless each of you during this time of loss. Donna Lansdowne Freeman and John Duane Lansdowne and our Families.
Charlene James
Thursday, June 6, 2019
Virginia, we are sadden to hear about the loss of Dale. He was such a wonderful husband, father and just an all around great person! Please know you and your family are in our prayers! Much love, Charlene & Robin James
Michelle Vogt (Fortner )
Wednesday, June 5, 2019
Virginia, Patti, & Tim and families we are saddened to hear of Dale’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers
Jeff and Michelle Vogt (Fortner)
Jean Mosley
Wednesday, June 5, 2019
Virginia, my thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.
Dale was such a sweet man that always had a smile on his face. Cherish the Wonderful Memories!
Lois Finch Garner
Wednesday, June 5, 2019
So sorry to hear of Mr. Dales passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. Love from the Finchs and Garners
Timothy and Annette Cox
Wednesday, June 5, 2019
We will miss a great man and friend. His love for all was very much seen in his life. So sorry for your lost, our prayers are with you and your family.
Tammy Hopkins Porter
Wednesday, June 5, 2019
My Mom and I were sad to hear Mr. Dale's passing. I have fond memories of him and Ms. Virginia when I was a little girl growing up at St. Andrew UMC in LR. Mr. Dale always had a smile on his face. My parents treasured their friendship with the Thompsons. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ms. Virginia and the Thompson family during this difficult time.
Tammy Porter and Julia Hopkins
Robert Cawthorn
Wednesday, June 5, 2019
Dear Cousins and Aunt Virginia, I am deeply saddened by the passing of Uncle Dale. I am sure that Uncle Dale and my mom are having a great time in Heaven catching up. I have so many great memories of Uncle Dale and all of the wonderful times we had as a family.
Alicia Wheeler
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
Dear Virginia, Tim, Patti and family,
Sorry to hear of Dale's passing. I have fond memories of him when I worked at the Hallmark store. May God's love, mercy, and grace comfort you.
Reta Gallegly
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
You have my family's deepest sympathy and prayers that your strength will continue through this hard time.
joe finch
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
Our thoughts,prayers & fond memories from so long ago are with you at this time.