Obituary of Walker Thompson

Walker "Bunk" Thompson of Madison, West Virginia, formerly of Man, West Virginia, departed this life on July 2, 2024, at home after a short illness. Preceding him in death was his wife of 65 years, Audrey (Morgan) Thompson, his beloved daughter Sharon Thompson Tiller and his sisters Dora Mae (Arvil) Runyon, Dixie and Gladys Thompson. Those surviving are his son David (Melody) Thompson of Madison, granddaughter Keri (Will) Thompson of Madison, and their children Grace, Will, Claire, and Sophia, who were the sunshine in his life in his final years. Grandson Justin (Brittney) Thompson of Louisville, Kentucky, and their daughters Rosemary and Elizabeth. Grandson Michael (Meghan) Spears of Charleston, West Virginia and their son Patrick. Granddaughter Kayla Wright (Josh Berry) of Danville, West Virginia. Also surviving him are his brother, Frank (Elaine) Thompson of Scott Depot, West Virginia, and two nieces, Barbara (Russell) Tiller and Kimberly Runyon, both of Verner, West Virginia. Bunk was born on May 22, 1933, in Landville, West Virginia to Floyd and Mary Thompson. He attended Man High School. At 15 years old, he went to work at the Man Block Plant until he became old enough to begin work as a UMWA miner at Powelton Coal Company, from which he retired. In the 1980's and 90's, he owned Movie Hut in Gilbert, WV, where he met many lifelong friends. Bunk loved being involved in politics, and when he and Audrey moved to South Man, he ran for Town Council and won. He loved his time on the council and working with the people at Town Hall. Another passion of Bunk's was sports. He once snuck his way to a coal company baseball game at 15 years old, and it just so happened they needed an extra player, and he earned a spot on the team. He was a talented baseball player and was urged to go try out for professional baseball. Another talent and true love of Bunk's was singing for the Lord. As a teenager, he started a collection of 78 records that he still had. Bunk loved gospel music and sang bass with many local groups and quartets and one dear to his heart, Barbara and The Crossmen, for many years. He also sang in the choir at Claypool United Methodist Church, where he was a member. Another role Bunk played in the community was Santa. For many years he and Audrey visited at area schools, churches, nursing homes and hospitals. He and Audrey would spend months preparing and buying small gifts to take to greet everyone they saw. In celebration of Bunks's life, the family will gather with friends at Krantz-McNeely Funeral Home, Inc., on Monday, July 15, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. A celebration of life service will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home, with Rev. Mike Johnson Officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens at Godby. Online condolences can be made at krantzmcneelyfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Krantz-McNeely Funeral Home