Donald "Donnie" Thompson, 72, of Hurricane, passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2020.

He was born on December 10, 1947 in Wheeling.

Donnie lived on the west side of Charleston with his sisters, Norma Jean and Joyce, and attended Robbins Elementary School and Lincoln Junior High School, where he excelled in sports. He graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School in 1966 and then attended Marshall University, but did not graduate. He worked summer jobs being a lifeguard and becoming a champion diver.

He was working for the WV Department of Transportation for the Rt. 52 Road Project and soon after got a job for A.E.P as a field engineer, until 1977. After that he was self employed and had a construction company, Thompson and Parsons. He then took a position for Dunbar Housing as Maintenance Supervisor, Dutch Hollow until he pursued ownership of a restaurant and bar, Casey's Pub and J.T. Corners. There he promoted live music of Blues and R&B.

In his later years he worked for Putman P.S.D. in building and construction as well as a Pipeline Inspector. After retiring from there he pursued hobbies and bought and sold estate finds on E-Bay with his son, James.

He is preceded in death by his father, Bruce R. Thompson; mother, Mary Thompson; and his grandson, Robert Shane Hively.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Julie Ann Thompson; son, James Thompson of Hurricane; daughters, Shani Hively (Brent Burford) of Dunbar, Sheri Thompson (Chuck Hudson) of Dunbar; grandchildren, Aron Hudson of Dunbar, Julia Hudson of St. Albans; great grandchildren, Izaiah Hively and Kenadi Boyd.

Donnie was adopted and had found his biological family. He found sisters, Elizabeth Dove Bowen (Chris), Patricia Dove Bass (Ronny); brothers, the late William Sonny Dove (Christina) and Charles Nelson (Terry); and all their children and grandchildren. His mother, Della Jane Wright Dove Nelson, unfortunately had already passed away. He spent many days reconnecting his roots.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.