Orville Thompson

Orville Leacroft Thompson: Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Friend, Police Officer, Teacher, Artist, Caregiver. Orville was the youngest of five children born to the late Jonathan and Icilda Thompson. He was born June 30th, 1952 in the parish of Saint Mary, Jamaica West Indies. Orville attended Camberwell All-Age-School in Saint Mary. On leaving school he was employed by the Annotto Bay Fire Department. He later became a police officer and was stationed in Kingston, the capital of Jamaica. Orville was in a long-distance relationship with his school mate, Beverly McEachron who was then living in New York with her young son Melburn Dillon. In January 1975 Orville and Beverly were married in St Mary Jamaica. He later joined his wife and step-son in 1977 in New York. In June of 1979, they welcomed a new addition to the family - their son, Dwight. Soon after, the family of four moved to Miami, Florida. This move was based totally on a leap of faith and therefore led to many job changes and small business ventures. Orville eventually attended the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale where he studied Media Production. Upon graduation, he was hired as an instructor there. They had been living in Miami for almost 30years when they decided it was time for a change. He retired from the Art Institute in 2007 and with his wife moved to North Port. In North port the couple established an Adult Long-Term Care Facility in their home. Orville worked diligently side by side with his wife in this venture. Sadly, after two short years Beverly was diagnosed with a terminal illness. The business had to be closed and with the help from family and friends, Orville became her personal caregiver until her passing in August 2014. Orville was all about family. He was always at graduations, weddings, funerals or any other family occasion. He was affectionately called ""Uncle-Daddy"" by his niece and grandnieces. Another aspect of his life was his passion for music - from cassettes and LP's to streaming online music. He also enjoyed traveling and took many road trips with family and friends. Most importantly Orville knew the Lord and gladly participated in church activities. This included his volunteer work with the Murdock Baptist Church media ministry. Recently he shared with his family that he had given his soul to Christ. Orville became terminally ill in March 2017 and eventually succumbed to his illness. The sun set on Orville's life on March 9th 2018 at the age of 65. He is preceded in death by his father Jonathan Thompson, mother Icilda Thompson, sister Gloria Baptiste, brother Noel Thompson and wife Beverly Thompson. He leaves to mourn his passing, sons; Dwight (Kim), and Melburn; sisters, Edris, Ruby, Dorian (Raphael); brother Norbert (Rozlyn); brother-in-law Daniel; grand-children; Desmond and Alexandria, three great grandchildren; Nieces Yvette, Novlett, Vereen, Michelle, Jasmine, Yvonne, Donna, Rachael. Nephews: Bancroft, Gary, Oliver, Jermaine. 10 grand nieces, 10 grand nephews, Special friend Jacquemae and a host of other relatives and friends. To know Orville was to love him and we did. He completed his job here on Earth and now he is gone unto eternal life where there is no pain or sorrow. May his soul rest in peace. Service Information Date: Saturday, March 24, 2018 Time: 10:30 am Murdock Baptist Church Address: 18375 Cochran Blvd., , Port Charlotte, Florida, 33948 941-627-6352 | Map Cemetery Information Date: Saturday, March 24, 2018 Venice Memorial Gardens Address: 1950 Center Road, , Venice, FL, 34292 (941) 493-4246 | Map