Phillip Delano Thompson

Phillip Delano Thompson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather was born February 28, 1937, in Pineola, North Carolina; which is in Avery County near Grandfather Mountain.  He peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on September 10, 2024.

The youngest of six children born to Donald and Nellie Thompson; Phillip grew up in a close-knit family, deeply rooted in faith as members of the Pineola Presbyterian Church.  He was active in the Boys Scouts – Pineola Troop 8; and he graduated from Crossnore High School in 1956, where he was a stand-out athlete, particularly in Baseball.

After high school, Phillip pursued higher education at Lees McRae College and Appalachian State Teachers College, now known as Appalachian State University.  Phillip’s reputation as a fast footed outfielder in High School Baseball, led to him being recruited by several Major League Baseball teams in 1958 & 1959: Yankees, Cardinals, Red Sox, Dodgers and Pirates.  Even though his tryouts did not result in any contracts, Phillip continued to honor the game by coaching several youth baseball teams.   Phillip’s love for Scouting led him to a dedicated career with the Boy Scouts of America, beginning in 1959, as a District Executive with the Daniel Boone Council in the Asheville, NC area.  Phillip also served his country in the North Carolina National Guard. Upon returning from service, he continued his work with the Boy Scouts; this time with the Old Hickory Council, where he spent the next four decades fostering the values of Scouting throughout northwest North Carolina, namely in the counties of: Surry, Yadkin, Wilkes, Ashe, Watauga and Avery.  Even after retiring, Phillip’s passion for Scouting remained, and he continued to serve as a dedicated volunteer for the rest of his life.

In 1961, Phillip married the love of his life, Linda Eidson of Elkin, NC. Together, they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and community. They were blessed with three children, Rebecca Bobbitt (Keith), Deborah Rogers (Robert), and Tom Thompson (Kim).  Phillip, affectionately known as “Pops,” cherished his grandchildren – Will Bobbitt (Dayna), Caroline Bobbitt, and Landon Rogers (Sarah) – and found immense joy in his great-grandson, Anderson Bobbitt.  Prior to Phillip’s passing, he was blessed to learn of an additional soon-to-be born great-grandchild, who is expected to be born in January 2025, by his Grandson Landon Rogers and his wife Sarah.

Phillip was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Nellie Thompson; his devoted wife, Linda Thompson; his beloved daughter, Rebecca Bobbitt; and his cherished siblings, Donald Thompson, Beatrice Booth, Dale Thompson, Bob Thompson, and Joann Lyons.

Phillip was widely respected and known throughout North Carolina for his lifelong dedication to Scouting, and his involvement in various College Scholarship Foundations.  In Scouting, he was recognized with the Vigil Honor in the Order of the Arrow, the Good Shepherd Award, and the Silver Beaver Award for his outstanding service.  Beyond his professional Scouting achievements, Phillip found great joy in serving as a Deacon at his church; coaching baseball, playing golf, camping, gospel singing, writing poems, and supporting the community garden in Elkin. He took great comfort in his daily walks at the Elkin track, along trails or through residential neighborhoods.  Phillip had a gift for making friends wherever he went, always offering a warm smile, a firm handshake, and a positive outlook on life.

Phillip’s life and legacy will be celebrated at a service on Saturday, September 14th, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Elkin, NC.  Visitation with Phillip’s family will commence after the service.  In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to either: the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Carolinas Chapter; the Scouting-Old Hickory Council-NC; the First Baptist Church of Elkin; or to a Hospice House in your area.

Phillip will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy of positive thinking, perseverance, cheerful service and strong faith will continue to inspire us all.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.wrightfs.com.

Wright Funerals-Cremations, High Point is in charge of arrangements.