Gladstone Rhea (Glad) Thompson, 92, of 7618 Dunlap Creek Road, Covington, Virginia, died Saturday September 20, 2014 in the Springs Nursing Home in Hot Springs.

He was born June 28, 1922 in Alleghany County, the son of the late Elmer and Ida Mae Troxell Thompson.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Roberts Thompson in 2008, and also by three brothers, Robert Thompson, Eldon Thompson, and Elmer Thompson Jr.

Mr. Thompson retired as a carpenter from OV Roberts Contracting Co. in 1987.

He served his country in the U. S. Army during World War II.

He also enjoyed gardening, was a handy man, and a self-made man, who built his own house, and was a lover of nature and animals.

Surviving are two daughters, Nita Downer and Frances Hinkle, both of Covington; four grandchildren: Joe Sparks and wife, Sarah, T.J. Sparks, J.D. Downer and fiance, Becky Cutlip, and Jennifer Hicks and husband, Brad all of Covington; four great grandchildren: Hilleary Downer, Ashton Downer, Ainsley Sparks, and Zachary Hicks, all of Covington; one great great grandchild, Aubrey Byer of Covington; three sisters: Rosemary Bryant and Crystal Alfred, both of Florida, and Beth Johnson of Richmond; one brother, Alvie Thompson of Covington; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held Tuesday September 23, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Arritt Funeral Home with the Rev. Frankie Sizemore officiating.

Interment will follow in Alleghany Memorial Park with military rites provided by the Covington Post 1033 Veterans of Foreign Wars.

The family will receive their friends Monday evening from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at the Arritt Funeral Home.

The family suggests that memorial contributions in Mr. Thompson's name be made to the Covington Rescue Squad at P. O. Box 588, Covington, VA 24426, the Dunlap Fire and Rescue Department at P. O. Box 218 Covington, VA 24426, or the Alleghany Humane Society at P. O. Box 60 Low Moor, VA 24457.