Celebration of Life
February 22, 2024
Rodney Wendell Thompson, age 77, Gadsden, AL, passed away peacefully on Saturday February 17th, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Memorial services will be held at 3:00pm, Thursday February 22nd, at Gadsden First United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 1:00 – 3:00pm at the Church. Reverends Ken Casey & Sherri Reynolds will be officiating. A Celebration of Life will continue at Back Forty Beer Company beginning at 4:30pm to share the memories and love he leaves with each of us.
He was a lifelong resident of Gadsden, a loving and caring husband, father, & grandfather. He was a member of First United Methodist Church. After graduating from Gadsden High School in 1965, he received his Education Degree from Jacksonville State University, followed by his Masters and EDS from the University of Alabama.
He served 40 years in many facets of education in the Etowah County school system. His first love was coaching basketball but truly cherished his time as a Principal at Southside High School. After leaving Southside, he served as the Personnel & Transportation Director at the Central Office. Following his retirement with Etowah County Board of Education, he enjoyed working with the City of Gadsden in the Transportation Department. Beloved by his employees, faculty, and students, this love and respect continued after his retirement.
He was an avid sports fan of all kinds – especially Alabama Football. Rodney had a special and natural talent for generating joy, laughter, & fun in every aspect of his life. His friends and family could always count on the unexpected anytime he was around. He took great pride in all his pranks and fun-loving jokes. One of his favorite pastimes was watching his grandchildren participate in all their activities. Holidays and family vacations were his favorite times, and he always had a unique way of creating everlasting memories. We are constantly reminded of the stories and outpouring of appreciation of the lives he impacted.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Gartrell and Judy Belle Thompson, parents-in-law Vester and Inez Burttram, and Radar Radius. He is survived by his devoted wife Becky Burttram Thompson; children Dantley (Christy) Thompson, Summer (Tripp) Collins; grandchildren Lexi, Luke, Jade, & Asher Mae; brothers, Jimmy (Delores) Thompson, Lauil (Faye) Thompson, and sister-in-law Anne Delane McNabb. In addition to his immediate family, he leaves a host of special friends and other family members whose lives were blessed by knowing him. His devoted pets, Scout, Pennie, Creamer & Alli will also miss him dearly.
A special Thank You to Gadsden First United Methodist Church, Gentiva Hospice Care, UAB Neuro Oncology, and Ginger Brown. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gadsden First United Methodist Church or Down Syndrome of Alabama.
