Thompson, Jr., Gratton Howard

Gratton Howard Thompson, Jr., 90, of Christiansburg, passed away Sunday, November 10, 2024. He was preceded in death by his Parents Howard and Nora Thompson, first wife Edna Collins Thompson, Sisters Genevia Bennett, Nancy Gilmore, and Kathleen Bowling, and Brother Boyd Thompson

Gratton is also survived by his second wife Cora Farley Wade Thompson. Daughter and son-in-law Carolyn Turner and Neal, Granddaughter Terri Murray and Eddie, grandson Brandon Turner and Kate, Great Grandchildren Jade Parker and Caleb, Carter Murray, and Brice. Great – Great Grandchildren Lily Murray, and Finleigh Parker.Sister Jean Thompson and Brother Doug Thompson. Stepson Marvin Wade and Sandy. Grandchildren: Michael Wade and Mandy, Sara Ogle and Kyle. Great grandchildren: Meiah Wade, Mayleigh Wade, Macie Wade, Malachi Wade, Aiden Clayburn, Ryleigh Ogle, and Eli Ogle.

Gratton retired from the Town of Christiansburg in 1999 after being employed for more than thirty years of service. He was a member of the Christiansburg Volunteer Fire Department and served for over 30 years as a line officer, stepping down recently as Captain. He was a meticulous record keeper and was a perfectionist with numbers. He also served the department as Chaplain and provided inspirational support to all members of the department and their families.

Gratton loved to laugh and was always smiling. He enjoyed the Christmas tradition of hiding money in presents and watching as you searched for the hidden treasure. In later years he would hide the money and often forget where he had hidden it, he got just as much fun out of it as the family member did.

Gratton enjoyed a long-time membership in the Isaac Walton League, The Men’s Fellowship at Christiansburg Pentecostal Church. He could always be found around the apple butter kettle each fall. He and Edna were large contributors to the Lord’s Acre sale each year and he was the number one salesman of fried apple pies that she made for the event. Gratton believed in Missions and was very generous in his giving throughout his lifetime. He most recently attended Beaver Creek Church and was faithful to each Sunday morning and Wednesday evening service. Church was his family and he felt called to support one another in worship.

Gratton was a mentor and best friend to Brandon. The two were often seen on fire calls together beginning when Brandon was 8 years old. Their love for one another was unmatched and they enjoyed being the Grandfather/Grandson team on many calls after Brandon joined the department 2007.

Gratton was a living example of Ezra in the Bible, he studied God’s word, he lived God’s word, and he taught God’s word.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 2:00 pm in the Harbor of Hope Church with Pastor Marvin Wade, Pastor Neal Turner, and Pastor Craig Reed officiating. Interment will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Christiansburg. The family will receive friends Wednesday, November 13, 2024 from 12:00-2:00 pm at the church prior to the service.

The family requests in lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Christiansburg Fire Department, 110 Depot Street, Christiansburg, Va 24073.