Serving Barnwell County and its neighbors since 1852
MORGANTON, GA - John Kenny Thompson, 72, a retired Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Parks and Historic Sites Division Chief of Operations, died Thursday, September 10, 2026, peacefully at home.
Mr. Thompson was born in Louisville, Ga. on April 20, 1954, the youngest son of Sam J. Thompson and Lula Brassell Thompson. He was a 1973 graduate of Barnwell High School, Barnwell, S.C., and a 1978 graduate of Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Ga. His career with the Georgia State Parks lasted 34 years, until his retirement in 2009. He was an active member of Faith Presbyterian Church in Mineral Bluff, Ga., a member of Old Union Golf Club in Blairsville, Ga. and an active AT hiker.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Frances Amos Thompson; two sons, Joshua Kenneth Thompson (Katy) of Thomasville, Ga. and Seth J. Thompson (Rachel) of Savannah, Ga.; five grandchildren, Trammell, Mary Evenal, Ozie, Beata, Julian Thompson of Thomasville, Ga.; brothers, Donnie Thompson of San Antonio, Texas, Kary Thompson of Spartanburg, S.C.; sister, Kathy T. Shaw of Pine Mountain, Ga.; and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Thompson was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Sammie Thompson and James Thompson; and a grandson, Emmett Thompson.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Faith Presbyterian Church in Mineral Bluff, Ga. on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 12 o'clock with a video tribute and visitation beginning at 11 o'clock.
A graveside service will be in Barnwell, S.C. on October 24, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Barnwell County Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society in John's memory.
Mole Funeral Home of Barnwell is assisting the family with graveside services. Sign the online guestbook at www.molefh.com.
