Paul F. Thompson

Devoted husband, father, and grandfather Paul F. Thompson, 81, passed away Tuesday, May 12, 2009.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Doris Ann Thompson (Smith); daughter Marsha Thompson Basanda of Simpsonville; son Mark Alan Thompson and wife Judy of Simpsonville; daughter Rebecca S. Poole of Simpsonville; daughter Julie Thompson-Adolf and husband Peter Adolf of Moore; grandchildren Becky and Lauren Basanda; Chris Fortenberry and his wife Ashley; Vicki Manley and her husband Michael; Tyler Thompson; Kristen Adolf, Lexie Poole, and Michael Adolf; and great-grandchildren Colin Manley; Lilly and Jack Fortenberry.

A chemist by training, Paul was the retired General Manager of Ferro Corporation in Hammond, IN. During his career, he was the owner of multiple patents in the chemical industry. He was an advocate for public education, serving as chairman of the Deer Park (Ohio) Board of Education for many years. He was an active participant in the Cincinnati, Ohio Jaycees. He was a member of numerous professional organizations. Additionally, he was a dedicated fundraiser and advocate for Alzheimer’s research.

Paul received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Purdue University, with additional graduate work at University of Cincinnati, where he also taught.

A memorial service to celebrate Paul’s life will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2 p.m., at the chapel at Cannon Funeral Home, 1150 North Main Street, Fountain Inn, SC. In lieu of flowers, memorials honoring Paul’s beloved wife Doris may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Upstate SC Chapter, 301 University Ridge, Suite 5000, Greenville, SC 29601.

The family thanks the staff of Greenville Memorial Hospital’s ER, ICU, CCU and Palliative Care for their care and compassion for our father and grandfather.