It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Richard Scott Thompson (Rick), who passed away unexpectedly on October 20, 2026. Rick was a caring and devoted husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He was born on March 18, 1960 in Louisville, Kentucky to William and Sherry Thompson. Much of his early life was spent in Frankfort, Kentucky before the family moved to Eden, North Carolina. He played both foothball and baseball for Morehead High School in Eden. 

After high school, Rick chose to pursue travel before college and spent months backpacking and bumming through Europe. As part of the trip, he accompanied his 76-year-old grandfather on travels through his ancestral home in various parts of Germany. This trip was the joy of his grandfather's life. 

Rick had both an artistic and mathematical mind. He studied art in college and after college he began a long career in software and application development in support of Defense Department initiatives. He enjoyed wonderful life-long friendships with many of his associates at Wagner and was a valuable mentor to many of his colleagues. 

In his early 30's, he met and married the love of his life, his wife Kathy Shin. They were married for over 30 years and always supportive of each other in their careers. Throughout their time together, Rick not only embraced Kathy's Korean heritage, but he also became a part of the culture and was always eager to learn more. Both avid dog lovers, they spent years loving and caring for their favorite shiatzu named Mikey.

Rick was very loyal to his loved ones and thoroughly enjoyed and excelled at his role of both husband and uncle. He will be greatly missed by all of those he's ever known. He is survived by his wife, Kathy; his brother, Steve Thompson and his wife Kathleen of Raleigh, North Carolina; his nephews, Paul Park of Orange County, California, and Daniel Thompson of Raleigh, North Carolina; and niece, Kristen Stancil of Clayton, North Carolina. 

There will be a Visitation at 5pm on Saturday, October 24th at W.J. Smith and Son Funeral Home in Newport News, Virginia.