Andrew Lee Thompson

Bro. Andrew Lee Thompson, born April 2, 1917, known to friends as Peter and others Mr. Thompson, passedaway on November 12, 2017 at the blessed age of 100 years.A native of Flora, MS; born to the late Rev. James “Jim” and Mother Mary Lowe “Aunt Babe” Thompson. Hehad two siblings, thelate Ruth “R.T.” Thompson Lankford and Sylvia “Aunt Noochie” Williams. Bro. Thompsonattended Hinds County Schools through the 4th grade, where he stopped to help care for the family. With so littleeducation, he worked with what he knew and under the direction of his father. He farmed and cared for his motheruntil he met and married the love of his life, the late Margaret Evelyn Bickhem, October 6, 1942. Shortly afterthey were married, Andrew Lee was drafted in to World War II, where he served in the United States Army asan equipment operator. He received the American Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and The World WarII Victory Medal upon his discharge as a Corporal in 1945.Upon returning home, he established his family in Flora, MS where he continued farming. He had a love forsinging all his life and through that love for singing, he sung with The Zion Travelers, this was the acapellagospel group in the Flora area. That group consisted of The Late, Brothers. L.V. “Slim” Thurman, Mr. Doughand the Rev. Shirley Hopkins. Some Saturday night rehearsals at his home would be filled with harmony andlaughter. As time went on, a new group was established by the name of The Gospel Tornados. This groupconsisted of Bro. Kenneth Smith, Rex Thompson, Julius Williams, Sr, Michael Hollins and the late BrothersDavid Wilson, Charles “Wee Wee” Harris, Willie Smith and Willie “Rooster” Jamison. They traveled the worldover places like, St. Louis, Chicago and Michigan. Many mornings you could hear them live on WMGO Radioin Canton, MS.Bro. Thompson served his church and his community. He served as Church Trustee, Sunday SchoolSuperintendent and Janitor. He held his Church Trustee position until he was no longer able. He could be seenriding the lawnmower to the church to mow the lawn on a weekly basis. His love for his community could oftenbeen seen through his campaigning for various public offices. He was a true advocate for civil rights andparticipated in many of the activities that worked to bring about change into the lives of people.Bro. Andrew had a love for sports too. If he had visitors, they would have to share the conversation with thetelevision. Hisfavoritesport was baseball and it is believed that the Los Angeles Dodgers were hisfavorite baseballteam.Being a businessman was something that came easy for him. He sharpened his business skill once he met his lifetime friend, the late Mr. Ed Warren. Their friendship blossomed into a lifetime relationship where they sharedsecrets and ideas. They began to do some construction work together for a while. Some of his business venturesincluded Community Pride Grocery Store, Flora, Hobo’s Fried Chicken, Jackson, Chicken Shack, Flora. TheChicken Shack served more than food, it served as a light to our community and worked as encouragement tothose that wanted to begin their own business.Bro. Thompson is survived by his children, Marcella (John) Hudson, Julius Alvin Thompson, Vickie (Stephen)Mason, Rex (JoAnna) Thompson, Calvin (VaNada) Vaughn and Brenette Ransom. He has 16 grandchildren, 26great grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren and a special nephew Andrew Lee Williams. He also has a hostof nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends.