Roy Campanella Thompson, 69, of Southern Pines, North Carolina, passed away on April 10, 2026, at FirstHealth Hospice House in West End, North Carolina. He was born on May 2, 1956.
Roy graduated from Pine Crest High School in 1974 before attending Appalachian State University, where he played football and earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science in 1978. Following graduation, he proudly served in the United States Army for 12 years, earning the rank of Major before leaving in 1991. After his military service, he continued his education, earning his master’s degree in 2002 from Nova Southeastern University in Las Vegas. He dedicated many years to a career in education, where he was appointed by the Clark County School Board as Dean of Students and later retired as an Assistant Principal. In his personal time, Roy was an avid reader and a lover of jazz music and travel.
A memorial service will be held on April 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Boles Funeral Home in Southern Pines.
A private burial will take place on April 21, 2026, at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Thompson; and his siblings, Fletcher Thompson (Brenda), Bruce Thompson, and Willy Thompson (Rosalyn).
He is survived by his siblings, Barbara Thompson (Ernie), Chris Campbell (Shelia), and James Thompson (Alice); his nieces, Priscilla, Anette, Alexis, Nadia, Rashida, Ayana, Madeline, Jasmine, Mychelle, and Tonya; and his nephews, Ernest, Jimmy, Bruce, James Jr., and Terrell.
Roy will be remembered for his dedication to his country, his commitment to education, and his love for his family. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Online condolences may be made at www.BolesFuneralHome.com
Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.
