Gerald Bruce Thompson
Gerald Bruce Thompson, 67, of Roanoke, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
Born March 11, 1958, in Salem, Virginia, to the late Samuel and Molly Thompson, Bruce lived a life full of laughter, kindness, and connection — he truly never met a stranger.
A proud graduate of Glenvar High School, Class of 1976, Bruce went on to build a successful pharmacy business where he and his beloved wife, Judy Thompson, worked side by side for more than 25 years. Together, they created not only a business, but a community — and a life built on love, laughter, and teamwork.
Bruce met the love of his life, Judy, while working in Roanoke, and the two married in 1988. He was made to be a “girl dad,” and is survived by his daughters, Jill (Dustin) Gladwell and Kelci (Josiah) Noble, who will forever carry his humor, warmth, and strength in their hearts. He was also the proud and doting Grandpa to Scout Noble and special grandson, Owen Mack Gladwell, who brought endless joy to his life, as well as grandPAW to Roxi, Bentley, and Maggi.
A man of deep faith, Bruce was an active member of Bethel Baptist Church, where he faithfully served in the sound ministry and never missed a Saturday at the food pantry. His selfless heart and servant spirit left a lasting impact on everyone he met.
Bruce loved good music, grilling out, sunrises at the beach, and being outdoors. He knew the lyrics to every Jimmy Buffett song — and insisted on singing them all, whether you asked him to or not.
To know Bruce was to love him. He was the definition of a loving husband, father, grandfather, and loyal friend — the kind of man you could always count on, who made everyone feel like family.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Molly Thompson; and brother, David Thompson.
He is survived by his wife, Judy; daughters, Jill and Kelci; and grandchildren, Scout and Owen.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2025, in the John M. Oakey & Son Chapel in Salem. A Celebration of Life service will then begin at 3 p.m. conducted by Pastor Hilton Jeffreys.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the love, prayers, and support shown during this unimaginable loss. A special thank you to the CCU nurses, doctors, and care team at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for their exceptional compassion and care.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages everyone to honor Bruce’s legacy by helping someone in need, donating to the Bethel Baptist Church Food Pantry, or turning up a Jimmy Buffett song in his memory.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.
