James and Deborah Thompson

James Louis Thompson, 71, and Deborah Kaye Thompson, 66, of Clarendon departed this world together on the evening of June 16, 2023 after 47 years of marriage. James was born on July 10, 1951 to Louis and Jessie Merle DeLoach Thompson of Clarendon. Deborah was born on December 14, 1956 to Willard and Bernice Williams Davenport of Monroe. James and Deborah’s journey together began at Siloam Springs church camp in the summer of 1974. They were married on September 20, 1975 and together they built a life they loved based on family, faith, and community.

James proudly served his community on the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department for 53 years, serving as Fire Chief for 31 years, before retiring in December of 2021. He was the Executive Director at Stuttgart Housing Authority for the past 28 years.

Deborah held many jobs over the years, but her favorite was taking care of her family. She spent the last few years retired and helping care for her mother.

They were both long-time, active members of First Baptist Church Clarendon, where James served as the church treasurer for the last 40 years, served as choir director for several years, and Deborah was involved in many various children’s ministries over the years.

Their favorite way to spend their time was with their children and spoiling their grandchildren.

They are preceded in death by his parents Louis and Jessie Merle Thompson, her father Willard Davenport, her brother Randy Davenport, and her brother-in-law Mike McCrea.

They are survived by their children Ross Thompson of Clarendon, Jonathan and wife Hollie Thompson of Searcy, Jamie and husband Cody Morgan of Searcy, their grandchildren Macy, Rhett, and Adalyn Thompson, EJ, Asher, and Jessica Morgan with grandbaby number 7 expected in September, his brother Neil and wife Melissa Thompson of Harrison, her mother Bernice Davenport of Clarendon, her brother Richard and wife Libby Davenport of Clarendon, her sister Becky McCrea of Clarendon, her sister-in-love Valerie Davenport Brumfield of Centerton, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other loved ones.

There will be a visitation on Wednesday from 6:00 - 8:00 P.M at Bob Neal and Sons Funeral Home in Clarendon. Services will be Thursday at 11:00 A.M. at the Clarendon First Baptist Church.