Clarence "Walter" Thompson

Clarence “Walter” Thompson, age 74 of Pearisburg, VA, passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. His wife Capris “Cappy” Shelton, was by his side and several of his loving family members. 

 Walter retired from Kroger after 48 years of employment and was a part-time employee at Virginia ABC store for over ten years. He loved people and knew almost everyone in Giles County and many people in surrounding counties. He seemed to never meet a stranger and was the center of attention with all his jokes and antics to be hospitable to others. Walter was a member of “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints”, in the New River Ward, Pembroke, VA. He was serving as the First Counselor of the Sunday School Presidency. He often spoke of how much he loved the church and all the members and constantly doted on them. He had an extra bounce to his step on Sunday mornings, knowing he would get to see and razz them with much laughter. Walter was also a veteran of the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1969-1971.

Walter is survived by his loving wife, Capris “Cappy” Shelton, of Pearisburg, his beloved only child and daughter, Melissa Thompson of Hillsville, a younger brother, Carl Thompson and Helen Myers of Christiansburg, along with his two children, Michelle Barker and Travis Thompson. His special grandson that he raised from infancy, Gabriel “Gabe” Benson, of Pearisburg, along with a step-son, Chris Benson, Jr. of Roanoke, a step-grandson, Jacob Benson, of Roanoke, two step-granddaughters, Ocean Benson of Altoona, PA, and Alexis Cox of Roanoke, his dear sister-in-law, Sherry Lester and Jack Lafon of Riner, a brother-in-law, Russ Shelton and Lisa of Christiansburg, lastly his heartbeat and truly cousin-sister, Carolyn Foutz and husband Wiley. Walter has left behind many family members who will mourn his passing and miss him more than tongue can express. 

Preceding Walter in death were his parents, Clarence and Nancy Holt Thompson, parents-in-law, Marce and Lozine Shelton all from Pearisburg, son-in-law, Gary O. Lawson, from Hillsville, two step-son’s, David Benson and Jason Benson, from Roanoke.

Visitation for Walter Thompson will be held on Monday, February 3, 2025, at “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints”, in Pembroke, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. His funeral service will be held immediately following at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Mechanicsburg Family Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in the form of donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.givensfuneralhome.com Arrangements by Givens Funeral Home, Pearisburg.