Donnie Ray Thompson
October 14, 1953 – February 21, 2026
Donnie Ray Thompson, 72, of Youngsville, passed away at his home February 21, 2026. He was born October 14, 1953, in Wayne County, to the late Leonard B. Thompson and Virginia Collins Thompson.
Donnie spent his entire career working as a plumber, a trade he was proud to call his life’s work. He loved hunting, fishing and cars and found great joy in passing those traditions down to his grandchildren. Teaching them the skills he had learned over the years and sharing time together in the woods or by the water created memories they will carry with them forever.
Family was at the heart of everything Donnie did. He especially cherished his grandchildren and the time spent with them. Donnie was a loving Dad to his girls and the best Pa to all of his grandchildren. He also had a lifelong passion for cars, enjoyed trips to the beach, and in his younger years, enjoyed racing go-karts.
Donnie is survived by his daughters, Renee Atkinson and Hope Chamblee; sister, Carolyn Perry; sister-in-law, Lisa Thompson; grandchildren, Kristin Holloman (Brandon), Lee Chamblee (Payton), Amber Chamblee, and Toby Chamblee; and great-grandchildren, Landon Holloman, Bennett Chamblee, Alexander Ray Chamblee, and Adelle Rose Holloman. In addition to his parents, Donnie is preceded in death by his wife, Janice Thompson; his brothers, Shelton Thompson and Tommy Thompson; and his brother-in-law, Jerry Perry.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm, Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh, 701 Oakwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27601.
Arrangements are with Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, 211 W. Third St., Wendell. www.stricklandfuneral.com
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