Thomas Patrick "Pat" Thompson passed away on January 13, 2022. Pat was born in Sherman, Texas in 1944, and grew up in College Station, TX. He later attended Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX, and embarked on a successful career with Mobil Oil, eventually moving on to several other companies. His work and life took him to many places, including stints in Arkansas, Florida, and Virginia. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Adeana Thompson; his daughter and son-in-law, Tara and Matt Hayes; and three adoring grandchildren, Levi, Lily, and Ella Hayes, who will forever miss their Paw Paw. He also leaves behind his three siblings, Rosemary Jeffrey, Karen Thatcher, and Mike Thompson, as well as their families. He is also survived by a group of lifelong friends who were family to him.

Pat was a sportsman at heart and had a lifelong love affair with waters. He was most at home floating down a river, watching the wildlife around him, bamboo spinning rod in hand, waiting for a fish to bite. He happily shared his love of fishing with family, friends, and co-workers. From the canals and glades of Florida, to the rivers and creeks of the Chesapeake Bay area, to the vast, open waters of Alaska and northern Canada, Pat pursued his passion of fishing and the outdoors. The stories told about his legendary fishing and hunting trips will be told for many years to come.

Pat's siblings loved him dearly. He was a pesky big brother and relentless tease at times, but he was a protector and a friend, too. He stayed close with his siblings throughout his life and loved reminiscing with them about the wild days of their youth, growing up in small town Texas.

Pat was good at getting into trouble in his younger years. He was a mischievous child, and a wild and fun teenager. Growing up he always had an animal in his hands, whether he was riding his horse, petting a dog or catching a snake. He loved pranks and has given his grandson too many ideas by sharing all those stories with him. TPT also had charm though. Ladies loved him, and he loved them back, and there's no other way to put it. From the time he first noticed girls as a teenager, to his final days, Pat could charm a woman with a word and a smile. A goofy serenade and a wink always seemed to do the trick.

He was lucky enough to have two great loves in his life, and was a happy family man for many years. He was a goofball with his two kids and they loved him dearly for it. Always a provider and protector, his silly jokes, quirky musical taste, and love of storytelling will be long remembered and passed down.

TPT was a guy's guy and cherished his time with the boys. He had an infectious energy and you felt it if you ever drove with him across the Bay Bridge to the eastern shore of Maryland on a Friday afternoon. He loved his weekends of telling stories, shooting copious amounts of ducks and geese, enjoying a glass (or 2…) of whisky, and making buddies for life.

Back in the 1960s, after moving to Little Rock for work, Pat first visited the White River, the place that would become his true home. After that first visit, he unsuccessfully tried to persuade his father to loan him the money so he could purchase the White Buffalo Resort. He wanted to become a fishing guide and float that river for the rest of his life. While his plan didn't work out, Pat still returned to the White whenever he could throughout his life. He was drawn to it. His dream became to retire on the White and fish it for the rest of his life.

In his final years, Pat was at peace as he dealt with the slow-moving dementia that would eventually take his life. He lived out his dream and retired on the White River, and fished almost every day, for as long as he could. When he could no longer fish, he sat on his porch every day and stared out at the water, as he had done so many times in life, in so many different places, with a loyal dog by his side. The water and surrounding nature brought him an inner peace and happiness. He became Paw Paw, just as his father had been, and was a devoted grandfather to the end. He lived out his last years with his grandkids, telling them his old fishing stories and shared his love of the outdoors with them. He protected them, played with them, and let them see his lovable, goofball self. Like everyone else, they couldn't help but love him.

We will all deeply miss the Man, the Myth, and the Legend that was Pat Thompson. He is always in our hearts. Every time we float down the river, catch a fish, see a hummingbird, pet a dog, or hear one of his favorite songs we will think of him and smile, grateful for all he taught us over the years.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at Hampton Roads Fellowship, 4700 Huntington Avenue, Newport News, Virginia 23607.