Gerald Griffith Thompson

Gerald Griffith Thompson was born in Fort Worth to Carroll Hale, a Methodist preacher, and Dorothy Griffith Thompson, a teacher, on December 22, 1940. He was Jerry to family & friends & Papa to his grandchildren.

A bright student & accomplished athlete, he lived in many small towns throughout Texas. He graduated from Georgetown High School in 1958. In Georgetown, Jerry met and married Janice Glass Thompson. Jerry completed a chemistry degree from Texas Tech University in just three years, during which time he welcomed his oldest two children, Jana and Kelly, into the world. He then went on to medical school, where just before exams his first semester, he received news of the birth of surprise twin boys, Ken and Kevin. He continued on to graduate third in his class at UT Southwestern Medical School in 1965. Jerry completed his medical internship at John Peter Smith Hospital where he earned the Mead Johnson Award as the outstanding intern in pediatrics. He maintained academic rigor in the midst of many challenges, demonstrating hard work that he would continue throughout his life.

In 1967, Jerry was drafted immediately out of medical residency into the Army where he was stationed with his family in Fort Wainwright, Alaska. He served as battalion surgeon for the mechanized infantry division and was then assigned to the base hospital where he especially enjoyed the surgery side of medicine. Jerry and the family lived in Fort Wainwright until 1970 when he was honorably discharged as a Major. The Thompson family often reflected about their time in Alaska and the adventures they had in a place so different from their native Texas.

After moving back to Texas, Jerry began practicing at Arlington Medical Associates in 1970. He was appointed President of the Medical Staff at Arlington Memorial Hospital 1979-1980. Jerry joyfully served his patients for 37 years, caring for multiple generations of families. During his time practicing in Arlington, Jerry met the love of his life, Linda Hohman Thompson. They were married in March 1994. Jerry enjoyed golfing, traveling around the globe with Linda, and creating wonderful memories with his grandchildren. Some of his iconic moments as a grandparent include limo rides to the circus, candy-filled evenings at Boo at the Zoo, and hosting slumber parties. There was very little Papa wouldn’t do for his grandkids.

When he retired in 2007, Jerry and Linda moved to San Saba, Texas where they formed especially close bonds with their neighbors and quickly grew to love the community. They developed a love for working the earth, planting pecan and fruit trees, and raising chickens who happily roamed their yard. He and Linda often hosted family and friends in their home where they watched the river roll by on the back porch or went on off-road adventures around the property. Their San Saba “Airbnb” became a favorite vacation site of not only their families, but also friends and acquaintances. Jerry passed away peacefully surrounded by family in his cherished home on October 28, 2026.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, oldest daughter Jana Thompson, and his sister Carol Jane Thompson. He is survived by his wife Linda, daughter Kelly Thompson Weeks (David), twin sons Ken (JoLee) and Kevin (Patti) Thompson, eight grandchildren (Tori, Dylan, Trace, Meghan, Hank, Tanner, Tucker, and Zachary), two great-grandchildren (Miles and Wesley), sister Sue Lucy (Jim), bonus siblings Carol (Marty) Kaltenbaugh, Bob (Marie Christine) Hohman, and nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his faithful companion, Ellie. Jerry will be remembered as a wonderful physician, friend, and family man who never hesitated to help in times of need.

Visitation (9am to 10am) and service (10 am) will be held at Wade Funeral Home in Arlington Texas on Friday, November 20, 2026. A 2 pm burial will follow at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Samaritan’s Purse, San Saba County Friends of Animals, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, or San Saba Fire -Rescue.