of Omaha, AR
March 31, 1953 - December 31, 2019
Dr. Gary Dale Thompson, the well known and respected entomologist, aged 66, of Omaha, AR, died Tuesday, December 31, 2019, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born March 31, 1953.
Gary was raised in Lonoke, AR, where he played sports, obtained the rank of Eagle Scout, graduated high school (1971), and was affectionately known as "Bulldog". A water safety instructor at the local pool, he helped teach hundreds of local youths to swim. His love of water followed him throughout life, and he enjoyed fishing and scuba diving all over the world. Other passions included music (played loudly), hunting, and motorcycle riding.
Gary studied zoology at the University of Arkansas, receiving his B.S. in 1976 and M.S. in 1977. He obtained a Ph.D. in entomology from Texas A&M in 1981. He then began a 33-year long career with Eli Lilly's Elanco division (later Dow Elanco and DowAgro Sciences). There he was a visionary champion of a new kind of tool, a fermented natural insecticide before organic was even a thing. He oversaw the development of one of the company's most important products, Spinosad, which became the world's largest organic insecticide and significantly changed insect control globally. He was also a global leader in the seed business, overseeing the development of products that significantly advanced farmer's ability to produce corn.
Gary was active in both governmental and non-governmental organizations and influential in educating farmers in crop protection tools. He was a champion of education and development of young people and helped establish the Beltwide Cotton Conference student awards. Incredibly well respected in his field, he received numerous awards, including DowAgro Sciences Innovator of the Year Award and the University of Arkansas Distinguished Alumni award. More than any of the above, he will be remembered best as a caring mentor, loyal friend, dedicated family man, and all-around good, fun guy.
He is survived by wife Dixie; his daughter, Erin Lane; his mother, Nedra; and his brothers, Paul and Casey.
We will miss him deeply, always.
Visitation was at Roller-Christeson in Harrison, AR, January 6th; with service following.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society; cards to Dixie Thompson, c/o Roller-Christeson Funeral Home, PO Box 100, Harrison, AR, 72602.
The family thanks the medical personnel who cared for Gary from diagnosis until the end, as well as many wonderful family and friends for their tremendous support.
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11 Condolence(s)
MAry Tilford
Saturday, July 25, 2020
Dear Dixie
I know this is close to seven months late but I just found it on my computer. I’m very sorry for your loss. I did send Erin a card at the time but of course I have no idea whether or not she got it. Just wanted to let you know that I was sad for you
Sincerely Mary Tilford
Joe Eger
Thursday, January 23, 2020
Dixie and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. We worked together quite a bit at Dow, much of the time in the development of spinosad. I also spent time at Wayside in the summers when Gary was station director. I remember him trying to drown me tubing in the Mississippi River:) He was a great guy to work with, very intuitive when it came to insect control and very responsible which made it easy for us in the field. He deserved a long and enjoyable retirement. I'm sorry his ended so soon.
Bob & Janice McCall
Sunday, January 5, 2020
Gary was such a fun loving person. He always worked hard planning the perfect outing. Every time we did something together he was super excited to get everything taken care of. We have had some great adventures with him and Dixie, and Erin. We have been locked out the car at sunset at the Grand Canyon, not mentioning who’s fault that was. We have been to see numerous plays and musicians at Harrison and Silver Dollar City. He loved the Lyric Theater and he Loved music. So many special memories, from Greenville, to Indiana, to deer camp, to Omaha......
Gary fought this cancer battle so very hard for the past 4 or 5 years. He gave it a good fight. We will always treasure all the memories. We love you, Gary. Continued prayers for Dixie, Erin and Eli.
Alison Leonard
Sunday, January 5, 2020
Dear Dixie and family,
We learned your sad news today. Our thoughts are with you and will be with you especially tomorrow. I am sorry we will not be there to honour Gary and reflect the high esteem in which we held him. In these uncertain times, Gary stood for much of what is good in the world. Always solid and steadfast, he was characterised by hard work, decency, fairness and loyalty. He was a stalwart friend to Paul at Dow and always showed us great kindness. On top of all of that, he introduced Paul to Mississippi outdoor life and me to James Taylor ... We loved him and will miss him. Thank you Gary for the joy you brought to us. With love, Alison
Paul Leonard
Sunday, January 5, 2020
Dear Dixie, Erin, Eli, Family and friends,
I was very sad to hear that Gary is no longer with us.
Arriving in Greenville Mississippi as a young entomologist from the UK in 1991, Gary was not only a great boss and mentor, he also became a good and lifelong friend. Gary was very generous with his time and took me on numerous fishing expeditions, but more importantly, he also welcomed me and Alison into his family. Although we did not see each other very often once I had returned to Europe, it meant a great deal to me that we remained friends and kept in contact, despite living in different continents and working for different companies. I have wonderful memories of the times we spent together, and of the many interests we shared.
It was also a great pleasure to be able to meet up with Erin and Eli when on vacation in England last summer.
Alison and I will cherish our memories of Gary and send our condolences to Dixie, Erin, Eli, family and friends.
Gary will remain in our hearts and minds.
With my very best wishes,
Paul
Scott Hutchins
Saturday, January 4, 2020
Dixie, Lane, and Family. Please accept our deepest condolences on Gary's passing. I worked with Gary since the Joint Venture between Dow and Eli Lilly in 1989 and was always in awe of his skill, dedication, passion and ability. We also had great fun together on motorcycle trips and SCUBA trips, one to the FL Keys and one in Brazil following an entomology conference.
Gary was 110% in everything he did -- and he did much for his profession and countless young professionals as a mentor and a real leader. He was never concerned with credit, only outcomes and that set him apart from many -- he was truly special.
We all desire more time, but Gary used every minute to the fullest and lived a good life - he will be missed and forever remembered.
Mike Tolley
Friday, January 3, 2020
My deepest condolences. I fondly remember our grueling motorcycle trip around Lake Superior in four days. Gary had to get back to work ASAP. He was very dedicated to his work and passions. May God be with you during these difficult times.
Shayne and Lesa Finch
Friday, January 3, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family during this time of your loss.
Bill & Mary Beth Whitehead
Friday, January 3, 2020
Your Dad contributed a lot to this world. We are sure he will be missed very much.
kathy s king
Friday, January 3, 2020
Had some fun times with this guy, back in the day. Sweet, funny, an all around good guy.
R.I.P.Bulldog.
Cathy Gibbins
Thursday, January 2, 2020
Gary and I started and ended our 12 years of schooling in Lonoke. He was a fun loving, compassionate guy. Always interested in that science stuff (lol) and it became his life's work. He will be missed. RIP Bulldog. Your journey on earth is done but you did leave a mark for all the world to see. 💜💜💜