Kenneth Thompson

Kenneth Lamar Thompson, 62, of Chattanooga, passed away Thursday, January 12, 2023, at his residence. He was born on May 17, 1960, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was next to the youngest of ten children born to the late Rev. Charles William and Ida Mae Thompson. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age, while attending Philadelphia Baptist Church with his parents. He later joined New United Missionary Baptist Church under the Pastorate of Bishop William M. Holloway and everyone at New United loved him. Kenny was educated in the Chattanooga Public School System. During his high school years, he served on the athletic training team under the leadership of Coach Robert High during the 1976-1978 basketball seasons. Kenny was a proud graduate of the 1978 Class of Brainerd (Rebels) High School. He continued his education at Chattanooga State Community College excelling in Auto Mechanics. Kenneth’s parents were very instrumental in ensuring he was well-equipped to support himself. They even bought him a car and his dad customized it to fit him perfectly. Kenny learned a great deal from his father, who could build and repair almost anything. Kenny worked in construction, mechanics, and like his father, was often referred to as a jack of all trades. Kenny's remarkable ability to repair just about anything resulted in numerous and various types of jobs. He was a natural born salesman and entrepreneur – oftentimes observing and finding something that needed fixed and successfully convincing others that they needed ‘him’ for that job. Kenny’s excellent construction work was known throughout Chattanooga it even landed him a full-time job with a construction company in Virginia. Upon returning to Chattanooga, Kenny continued his work in auto mechanics and construction. He was always on the go. Oftentimes you could find him under the hood of a car, on top of a roof, or riding with others as they worked on various jobs throughout Chattanooga. One such job that Kenny took great pride in was assisting (the late Bishop) W. C. Hunter Construction Company as they built homes throughout the community. KT was proud to be a resident of the Eastdale community. Kenny always managed to find his way back to Rockway Drive no matter where he was even if he had to walk. He was often referred to as the “Mayor of Eastdale.” He was very helpful during election times at Eastdale Recreation Center as a poll worker. Kenny was most proud of the fact that he could cast his vote for the candidate of his choice; it meant a lot to him, and he never missed an opportunity to vote. Kenny enjoyed playing Solitaire when he was home and sitting on the porch to wave at everyone who passed through. Kenny was very well connected throughout Chattanooga, and he was loved even more by all who spent time with him. His favorite pastime for decades was sitting on the Through Street curb waving at everyone who passed. The “Mayor of Eastdale” never met a stranger and it was important to him that everyone at least gets the signature salute type wave from him. Truly, Through Street, Moss Street, and Rockway Drive will never be the same, but the memories of Kenny, a.k.a. KT, the beloved mayor of Eastdale, will last a lifetime! Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Charles W. Thompson and Ida Mae Thompson; grandparents, Savannah Rutledge, Charlie Thompson, and Rufus and Mozelle Anderson; aunts, Minnie (Eddie) Wilkerson, Mary (Ba’Ruth) Anderson, Ruby (William) Hall, Sylvia A. Leslie; brothers-in-law, Theodore Parks and Terry Parks. Survivors include his sisters, Sharon T. Parks, Gloria T. Parks, Carolyn T. (Bishop Dr. Mark) Sandilands, Rhonda J. Jackson, Pamela T. Jackson, Cynthia Thompson (Ward), all of Chattanooga; brothers, Michael (Betty) Thompson of Chattanooga and Charles (Sharon) Thompson of Newport News, VA; uncle, Alonza (Lil Bro) Anderson; aunt, Valerie Anderson of Chattanooga; 21 nieces and nephews, Kimberly Thompson, Darryl (Faith) Thompson, Kelvin (Tyenece) Parks, Yolanda (Robert) Finney, Demetrius Scott (Tiki) Carter, Stephen Jackson, Timothy (Tekaill) Williams, Antoinette Lynn Frye, Geanno (Magnolia) Thompson, Dextric (Trace) Thompson, Corey L. Thompson, Terrence (Catrice) Parks, Shauniqua Jackson, LaTasha Jackson, Tremayne Parks, Mandel Jackson, James Darrell Ward, Jr., Anesha Thompson, Marcus High, Mario Sandilands, Megan Sandilands; a host of great nieces; great nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Reverend Dr. Jeffrey Wilson will serve as the eulogist.

Kenneth Thompson

May 17, 1960 - January 12, 2023