Jay B Thompson

Jay B Thompson, Sr. passed away peacefully from natural causes on December 2, 2023, in Rome, Italy while on a European adventure with his son Rhett Thompson. Born on September 2, 1938, in Toomsboro, Georgia, Jay B's life was a testament to the power of kindness, gentile gentleness, and an unwavering optimistic spirit.

Jay B attended Dublin High School, where he graduated in the class of 1956 as "best-dressed". He then went on to attend Emory at Oxford, the original campus of Emory University founded in 1836. The prestigious institution is known for its rigorous academic standards and elite status. After completing his time at Emory at Oxford, he continued his education at Emory University in Atlanta becoming a proud member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Jay B and his friends often spent “leisurely” hours at his favorite watering hole, Moe's and Joe's, where he was a well-known figure. Following a brief interlude in the insurance industry, Jay B resumed his higher education at The University of Georgia, where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in 1964.

Jay B's professional life was as diverse as it was successful. He commenced his career with Temple Industries in Texas, and then transitioned into the appliance industry with Tappan Corporation in Birmingham, Alabama, in the early '70s. His notable dedication and skill propelled him to join Whirlpool Corporation in 1975, where he was tasked with developing a new territory from scratch from a new home base in Cullman, Alabama. His achievements there were remarkable, earning him the National Salesman of the Year Award in 1978, as well as an induction into the Whirlpool Hall of Fame of Selling.

Throughout his career, Jay B received numerous President's Club Awards, which were commemorated with trips to exotic locations such as England, North Holland, Germany, Spain, Morocco, and Bermuda. In 1984 it was his entrepreneurial spirit that led him to venture into the furniture business, showcasing his passion and willingness to take risks. He founded a furniture manufacturing business that eventually evolved into home furnishing retail stores.

In the latter part of his career, Jay B combined his passions for faith and furniture by specializing in liturgical furniture. His business, Cathedral Interiors, became known for its representation of Amish-crafted church furniture. Many cathedrals in the Southeastern United States are adorned with the beautiful, hardwood, handcrafted furniture that was a result of his dedicated work.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Jay B was a man of simple pleasures. He loved to take trips with his wife Sheila where he would play poker all night while she had fun with video poker and penny-slot machines. He could often be found enjoying a fine cigar, or observing the wildlife from his back porch as it meandered through the marsh. These tranquil pursuits provided balance to his dynamic and industrious life.

Jay B's life was enriched by his family, who will carry on his legacy with love and pride. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Sheila Thompson, and their daughter, Kelli Thompson. He leaves behind his sons, Jay B Thompson, Jr. and Rhett Thompson, along with five cherished grandchildren, who will miss him dearly.

Jay B Thompson lived a life marked by perseverance, joy, and the enduring belief that hard work and faith can create a legacy that stands the test of time. His memory will be treasured by all who knew him as a testament to a life well-lived, filled with accomplishment, laughter, and the pursuit of passions. Jay B's departure from this world leaves behind a void that many will feel, but his spirit will continue to inspire those fortunate enough to have been touched by his remarkable life.                                                  

Friends and family are invited to an open-house Memorial Service from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on the 26th of December at Mr. Thompson's home in Atlanta.

The family will receive friends on December 28, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Townsend Brothers Funeral Home in Dublin, Georgia. A celebration of Mr. Thompson's life will begin at 2:00 p.m. with burial to follow at Dublin Memorial Gardens.

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