MICHAEL ELLSWORTH THOMPSON, 85, of Barboursville, W.Va., passed peacefully into Heaven on November 28, 2023, at Emogene Dolin Hospice House. He is survived by his son Roman Thompson (Andrea) of Huntington, W.Va. and his daughter Tia Dowler (Brian) of Tyrone, GA; one brother, Roger Thompson (Joe Nail) of Atlanta, GA, and one sister, Candy Thompson Ciccolella (Lib) of Barboursville, W.Va; eight grandchildren, Gabriel Hardiman, Matthew Perry, Bryson Dowler (Roni), Piper Dowler, Michael Thompson (Laura Clagg), Brett Dowler, Paige Dowler, and Blake Dowler; one great-grandchild, Nazareth Perry; many nieces and nephews, including one special niece, Necia Freeman; and special caretakers Wanda Adkins, Vickie Thompson, and Heather Davis. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sheila Ann Thompson; his parents, Charles "Cotton" and Marie Thompson; two brothers, Charles “Corky” Thompson and Tony Thompson; step-daughter, Kelly Perry Hardiman; step-son, Alex Perry; and granddaughter, Mallory Hardiman.
All through junior high and high school, Mike participated in athletics and sports (football, basketball, baseball, and track). After graduating high school, he went into the Army Reserves and served six months active duty at Fort Knox. He worked at West Virginia Steel for a short time before receiving a football scholarship to Marshall University. While working towards his education degree, he lettered in football, basketball, and golf, graduating in 1964. After graduation, he worked for Cabell County Board of Education as a history teacher, coach, assistant principal at Barboursville Jr. High School and Barboursville High School, principal at Enslow Jr. High School, principal at Huntington East High School, Director of Secondary Schools and High Schools, and Assistant Superintendent of Schools. Mike retired after 30 years of devoted service in 1994.
After retirement, Mike worked at the Esquire Golf Course in the pro shop and enjoying his days hitting drives on the green, including hitting four hole-in-ones in his golfing career. Mike was a devout Christian and gave his life to Christ. He was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church in Barboursville, W.Va. Mike loved to travel, have dinners with his family, and spend time with his grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the Brown Bag Ministries program at P.O. Box 698 Barboursville, W.Va., 25504 (Memo: Mike Thompson). Pallbearers will be Blake Dowler, Brian Dowler, Bryson Dowler, Gabriel Hardiman, Michael Thompson, and Roman Thompson. Honorary pallbearers will be Brett Dowler and Lib Ciccolella.
Friends and family may visit Wallace Funeral Home, Barboursville, on Friday, December 1, 2023, from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Greg Wagoner at Wallace Funeral Home & Chapel, Barboursville, W.Va. on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 1 p.m. Interment will be at White Chapel Memorial Gardens following the service. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.timeformemory.com/wallace.
