Deacon Carl Thompson Sr.

Deacon Carl Wilbert Thompson Sr. of Tampa, FL passed away on Friday, May 16, 2025. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at Beulah Baptist Institutional Church, 1006 W. Cypress Street, Tampa, FL 33606 with Rev. Alan Harris, Pastor of Beulah Baptist Institutional Church, Officiating. The interment will follow in Rest Haven Memorial Park Cemetery, 4615 E. Hanna Avenue, Tampa, FL 33610.

Carl Wilbert Thompson Sr. began his life journey on October 25, 1934, in Sumter, South Carolina. He was the youngest of his sibling group of 15 children. Carl was married to his high school sweetheart, Doretha George Thompson, for 71 years. To this union 5 children were born. 

Always a disciple of Christ, Carl served as the Administrative Clerk at Jehovah Baptist Church while in Sumter, South Carolina for many years.  

He attended Lincoln High School and graduated from Morris College in Sumter, South Carolina, attaining a Bachelor of Science Degree in math. After graduation, Carl was employed by the United States Postal Service for several years. 

In 1973, Carl accepted a job offer from the Boy Scouts of America and made the decision to move his family to Tampa, FL. This employment required him to recruit inner city youth for the scouting program. Carl later served as a middle school math teacher in Hillsborough County. 

Carl served as chairman of the Deacon Ministry at Beulah Baptist Institutional Church for 30 years.  He was also a member of Beulah’s Sanctuary Choir. In addition, he tutored math in Beulah’s after school program. As a Prince Hill Mason, he served as Potentate for the Harram Temple.

Carl was preceded in death by: his son, LaVance; and granddaughter.

Carl is survived by: his wife, Doretha; 4 children, Carl Jr. (Valorie), Reginald (Gloria), Janis, and Audrey; 8 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; 12 great, great grandchildren; 1 God daughter, Zsa Zsa Hill; 1 brother-in-law, Jimmy Baker; nieces, Thomasena Thompson, Sharon, Zelda Moses, Alexis Dobbins, and Cassandra Turner; nephews, Frank, Darryl, Fidel, Michael, Sherry Moses, and Neil Moses; and a host of many loving friends and neighbors. 

A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Beulah Baptist Institutional Church, 1006 W. Cypress Street, Tampa, FL 33606.

Arrangements entrusted to Ray Williams Funeral Home, Rhodes & Northern, Owners.

www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com

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