It is with utmost respect, we announce the passing of Mr. Lionel Henry Thompson, Sr., 79, of Tallahassee, Florida, who departed this earthly life on Thursday, June 18, 2026.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 6, 2026, at Bethel A.M.E. Church, 501 W. Orange Avenue, Tallahassee, FL 32310, with burial to follow at 2:00 p.m. in the Tallahassee National Cemetery.

All resolutions may be submitted to: tillmanfh1931@gmail.com.

It is our esteemed honor to have been entrusted with the care of Mr. Thompson and to serve the Thompson Family.

Celebrating the Life of 

Mr. Lionel Henry Thompson, Sr.

Lionel Henry Thompson, Sr., affectionately known as “Drysdale,” was born on June 26, 1946, in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. He was the youngest of six sons born to Franklin and Gertrude (Todman) Thompson. Raised in a close-knit and loving community, Lionel received his education through the Virgin Islands public school system and proudly graduated from Charlotte Amalie High School with the Class of 1964.

From an early age, Lionel demonstrated exceptional athletic ability and a deep passion for baseball. As a standout pitcher in the Virgin Islands, he was invited by his coach, Virgin Islands baseball legend and former Baltimore Orioles catcher Elrod Hendricks, to play in the Virgin Islands Winter League. During this time, he competed against future Baseball Hall of Famers Roberto Clemente, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Orlando Cepeda, whom he often cited as his favorite players. A memorable conversation with Clemente led to an opportunity to play with the Pittsburgh Pirates minor league organization, where he spent six months pursuing his dream of professional baseball.

Lionel later relocated to Tallahassee, Florida, where he established a successful career in retail management as a Store Manager with Eckerd Drug Store on the city’s southside. He subsequently dedicated more than 27 years of service to the State of Florida Department of Management Services, serving as Supervisor of Property Management. On June 30, 2008, he proudly retired after a distinguished and faithful career.

A devoted husband and family man, Lionel shared a loving marriage with Debra Dickey Thompson, his cherished wife and devoted companion, with whom he built a life filled with love, laughter, faith, and treasured memories. Known affectionately as “Pops” by his children, Lionel’s love for sports extended far beyond his playing days. He participated in semi-professional baseball, coached championship girls’ and women’s softball teams, and served as an umpire for intramural and collegiate athletics for more than forty years. Among his many accomplishments, he was especially proud of achieving Umpire Emeritus Status, a testament to his dedication and excellence in the sport.

Lionel was a faithful and devoted member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Tallahassee, Florida, where he served diligently on the Transportation Ministry for many years. His commitment to serving God and helping others reflected his generous spirit, steadfast faith, and love for his church family.

Throughout his life, Lionel was admired for his strength of character, unwavering devotion to his family, and enduring passion for baseball. A loyal fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers, he enjoyed spending countless hours watching baseball games and following political affairs. He deeply valued time spent with family and friends and found great joy in the companionship of his beloved pet, Bodhi. His presence brought comfort, wisdom, laughter, and guidance to all who were blessed to know him.

Lionel leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife: Debra Dickey Thompson; children: Lionel (Shavette) Thompson, Jr., Beverly, Lester (Sandra), Lynnel (Brian), Sonya, Suzette, Suzanne, Shameka, Jasmine, and Joe; grandchildren: Christian, Ashley, J'Nisha, Mekhi, Kyra, J'Mia, Quartez, Aaliyah, and Nakevian; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, church family, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents: Franklin and Gertrude Thompson; and his brothers: Franklin, Walter, Eugene, Aubrey, and Verne Thompson

Though our hearts are saddened by his passing, we rejoice in the legacy he leaves behind—a legacy of faith, love, resilience, service, and devotion to family. His impact will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched, the wisdom he shared, and the memories that will forever be treasured.