GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1993

H	1 

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 1498

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Sponsors: Representatives Culpepper, James, and Rogers.

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Referred to:  

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July 22, 1993

A JOINT RESOLUTION HONORING THE LATE RAYMOND MARKHAM "PETE”THOMPSON, SR., FORMER MEMBER OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
Whereas, on April 23, 1993, the State of North Carolina and especially Eastern North Carolina, suffered a great loss with the untimely death of Representative Raymond Markham Thompson, Sr.; and
Whereas, Raymond Markham Thompson, Sr. was born in the Community of Weeksville in Pasquotank County, on September 17, 1925, to Wallace L. Thompson, Sr. and Minnie Markham Thompson; and
Whereas, Raymond Markham Thompson, Sr. was better known to his wide variety of friends, acquaintances, and associates as "Pete”Thompson; and
Whereas, Pete Thompson graduated from Elizabeth City High School in 1943, and then served in the United States Coast Guard as a Signalman, Third Class, during World War II from 1943 until 1946, and was decorated for service in the Pacific and Atlantic; and
Whereas, after serving in the military, Pete Thompson attended North Carolina State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Education in 1950; and
Whereas, Pete Thompson made no secret of his fierce devotion to North Carolina State University, forever championing his alma mater upon every opportunity to do so; and
Whereas, Pete Thompson married Carolyn Pemberton of Raleigh on June 9, 1949, and from their union, three children were born; and
Whereas, Pete Thompson made a lifelong career in agriculture; he taught Vocational Agriculture from 1950 until 1951, served as Assistant Perquimans County Agent from 1951 until 1954, served as Chair of the Perquimans County Extension Service from 1954 until 1970, served as Chair of the Chowan County Extension Service from 1970 until 1981, served as a Farm Consultant with Peoples Bank from 1981 until 1983, and served as Manager for Chowan Storage from 1983 until 1987; and
Whereas, Pete Thompson was a member of numerous community, civic, and fraternal organizations including the County Agents Association, Epsilon Sigma Phi, the Hertford Lions Club, the Ruritan Club, the Edenton Lions Club, the American Legion Post #40, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Masonic Order, Unanimity Lodge No. 7; and
Whereas, Pete Thompson served on the Board of Directors of Chowan Hospital from 1977 until 1982 and of Peoples Bank from 1980 until his death; and
Whereas, during his life Pete Thompson displayed a zeal for life and a concern for others that greatly benefitted his fellow man; and
Whereas, Pete Thompson was elected to and served with honor and distinction in the North Carolina House of Representatives from 1987 until 1993; and
Whereas, as a member of the State House, Representative Thompson served on numerous committees, and most recently served as Chair of the House Local and Regional Government I Committee, as Vice-Chair of Finance, and as a member of the Agriculture, Environment, and Public Utilities Committees; and
Whereas, during his service in the General Assembly, Representative Thompson spearheaded many initiatives, including improvements in the highway system of Eastern North Carolina, promotion of tourism, improvements to the State day care system, protection of children, and enhanced protection of the environment; and
Whereas, Representative Thompson displayed a subtle presence as he walked the halls of the General Assembly; he was acutely informed on all major issues and knowledgeable about a majority of the legislation before the General Assembly; and
Whereas, Representative Thompson always displayed an affection and concern for the problems of every citizen in his District and that forever improved the quality of life for those citizens; and
Whereas, Pete Thompson was a member of the Edenton United Methodist Church and served as a Sunday School Teacher from 1972 until 1983; and
Whereas, Pete Thompson was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather; and
Whereas, Pete Thompson will be forever remembered for his infectious smile and for his quiet, unassuming mannerisms which brought him affection and respect from all who came to know him; and
Whereas, Pete Thompson is survived by two daughters, Gayle Norton and Sharon Farless; a son, R. Mark Thompson, Jr.; five grandchildren; and several other family members;
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
Section 1.  The General Assembly honors the life and memory of Raymond Markham "Pete”Thompson, Sr. and expresses the gratitude and appreciation of this State and its citizens for his life and service to his community, to his State, and to his country.
Sec. 2.  The General Assembly expresses its deep sorrow to the family and friends of Raymond Markham "Pete”Thompson, Sr. for the loss of a beloved father and grandfather, and a true friend.
Sec. 3.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the family of Raymond Markham Thompson, Sr.
Sec. 4.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.