Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling, calling for you and for me; see, on the portals he's waiting and watching, watching for you and for me. Come home, come home; you who are weary come home...

Mr. John Robert Thompson was called home, early Wednesday morning, January 5, 2022 at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. Mr. Thompson, affectionately known as "John Robert" was born on February 7, 1941 in Robeson County, North Carolina to the late Lewis and Laura Lee Currie Thompson.

John Robert attended schools in the Robeson County School System. He was always a very likeable person, easily meeting people and being a part of a group. He prided himself in being a neat dresser; he even sent his jeans to the cleaners to be pressed! John Robert loved cars and later in life when he was able, always had the latest popular car. His last car was a BMW and he also enjoyed driving his Tacoma truck. He enjoyed detailing cars as a hobby.

He was married to Omelia Alford Thompson for over fifty years. He loved his family and was such a giving person. He had great culinary skills and loved to delight his family with great food. He also gave them joy with his hobby of barbecuing on his traveling smoker grill at family gatherings and reunions all over North Carolina. His awesome chopped barbecue was always on the menu at the family outings, and he always made extra so you could take containers of it home to enjoy later along with his special barbecue sauce. He loved sharing the stories about the night-long process of making it!

John Robert worked at R. J. Reynolds, retiring after over 30 years of service. He was a dedicated worker, always dependable and on time. He made many long-lasting friendships over his time at the company that he maintained throughout his life.

He began his spiritual walk as a child at his mother's church, Thomas Chapel Church. Later, when she moved her membership, he supported Beauty Spot United Methodist Church in Rowland, NC. In Winston-Salem, he was a faithful member for many years at United Progressive Church, Canaan Baptist Church and most recently at Mars Hill Missionary Baptist Church.

John Robert was preceded in death by two sisters, Earnestine Thompson and Bernice Bullard and six brothers: Albert, Vonsa, Earnest and Ellsworth Thompson and David and Willie Glen Currie.

He leaves to cherish his memory, one brother, James L. Thompson of Winston-Salem, NC; two sisters, Hattie Mae Jacobs of Pembroke, NC and Mary Nancy (William) Comer of Winston- Salem, NC; one sister-in-law, Eva Lois Thompson of Rowland, NC and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

His life will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at Roberts Funeral Service Chapel (Winston-Salem) with visitation at 10:30 A.M. prior to the service. John Robert will find earthly rest in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. Public visitation will be held from 3:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at the funeral home. In every effort to protect our client families, sanitizing, facial coverings and or masks are required for all services.