LANCASTER, SC –Mr. Charles Melvin "Sparky" Thompson, age 82, passed away Thursday, February 9, 2023. He was born January 31, 1941, in Lancaster, SC, the son of the late James Melvin Thompson and Ruth Montgomery Baxley and was the husband of Patricia Neely Thompson.  Sparky retired from Burns Chevrolet in Rock Hill after 41 years in the automotive parts business.  He enjoyed playing golf and watching all sports, especially football and NASCAR. He loved attending football games at Death Valley supporting the Clemson Tigers.  Sparky was a Past Master and served as treasurer of Jackson Masonic Lodge #53 and was a volunteer with the South Carolina State Guard in Columbia.  He really enjoyed being a part of the Men's Breakfast group at First Presbyterian Church in Lancaster.  He was a devoted grandfather to his grandchildren and his great grandchildren.  Sparky was a lifelong member of Shiloh A.R.P. Church and served as a Deacon and Elder.

Sparky is survived by his wife of 61 years, Pat Neely Thompson; a son, James "Jim" Patrick Thompson and his wife, Martha Hollingsworth Thompson of Greensboro, NC; one granddaughter, Ruth Abernethy "Abbey" Thompson Plumridge and her husband, Jeffrey Rod "Jeff" Plumridge of Chicago, IL; one grandson, James Patrick Thompson, Jr., "Patrick" of San Antonio, TX; two great granddaughters, Ella Patricia Plumridge and Adelyn Jane (Addy) Plumridge; and a sister, Peggy Thompson Nagy of Rock Hill, SC.

The Celebration of Life Memorial Service with Masonic Rites for Sparky will be 11:00 am Saturday, February 18, 2023  at Shiloh A.R.P. Church officiated by Rev. Dean Franklin. The family will receive friends following the service in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shiloh A.R.P. Church, 346 Shiloh Unity Road, Lancaster, SC 29720.

An online guest register is available for condolences on the obituaries page at www.burgessfunerals.com .

Burgess Funeral Home and Crematory of Lancaster is caring for the family of Mr. Charles M. "Sparky" Thompson.