Lannie H. "Tommy" Thompson Jr.

January 31, 2021

Lannie H. "Tommy" Thompson, Jr., aged 79, passed away on January 31, 2021 at North Florida Regional Medical Center due to complications from COVID. Tommy had many titles: husband, father, grandfather, businessman, Gator fanatic and devoted friend. Tommy was born in Gainesville where he lived his whole life. Tommy went to Kirby Smith Elementary School before graduating from Gainesville High School in 1959 and still remained close to many of his classmates. He graduated from Clemson University in 1963, where he adopted a new team, the Clemson Tigers. Of course, the Florida Gators always remained #1 in his heart. Tommy was a Gator season tickets holder for over 60 years, and there was never a more dedicated, loud and passionate fan. Tommy owned and operated the Gainesville Livestock Market until its sale in 1995. He was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of Gainesville. Tommy prided himself on his 33 years of perfect attendance and being named a Paul Harris Fellow in the Rotary Club of Gainesville. He honorably served in the U.S. Army Reserves. He was also a member of the Quarterback Club since 1968 and the Eastside Garden Club. Tommy religiously attended lunch on Friday with his Lunch Bunch and always enjoyed spending time with his friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lannie H. Thompson, Sr. and Bess K. Thompson. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Shirley Thompson, daughter, Lori Trippler (Bryan), and grandchildren, Will and Jack Trippler. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Evergreen Cemetery, 401 SE 21 Ave, Gainesville with Pastors Beth Farabee Snarr and Carl Romey officiating. Masks and social distancing will be greatly appreciated. Tommy’s service can be viewed via face book live https://www.facebook.com/events/564328784523331/ and also recorded and placed on our website. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the First United Methodist Church Memorial fund at 419 NE 1st Street, Gainesville, FL 32601 or the Rogers Rotary House at Southern Scholarship Foundation at www.southernscholarship/org or 1065-D SW 9th St, Gainesville, F 32601. For our freinds that do not have a Facebook account, you can watch the service live by visiting this link: https://www.facebook.com/112749393781461/videos/480074156490887 We will also have it recorded and will post the recording here, in a few hours.