Randall Scott Thompson
Randall “Randy” Scott Thompson, lovingly known as “Poppy”, 61, of Amherst, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, August 11, while on vacation in Evansville, Indiana. Remembered for his kind heart, sharp wit, and deep devotion for his family, Randy brought laughter everywhere he went.
Born on June 23, 1964, in Lynchburg, to the late George Lee and Dorothy Nell (Campbell) Thompson. Growing up in Monroe as the middle child of five siblings, he developed a hardworking nature, deep sense of responsibility, and a love of diet Pepsi, music, and Jesus Christ at a young age. After graduating from Amherst County High School, he married his sweetheart Diane Lynn Mays on August 14, 1982 and remained a devoted husband for 43 wonderful years.
Together, they raised two daughters, Brittany and Courtney. To his family, he was ten feet tall and bulletproof—a constant source of strength, guidance, and protection. He took pride helping them with school projects, attending ballet recitals, and keeping their cars and homes running smoothly. His legacy lives on through his five grandchildren whom he cherished. As Poppy, he enjoyed attending soccer games and dance and piano recitals, sharing Zebra Cakes, giving them rides on the lawn mower, taking them to church, and hosting holidays and Cousin Camp each year.
Randy’s desire to take care of his family led to enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1984. After completing training at Lackland Air Force Base, he completed tours at Langley AFB, Tyndall AFB, RAF Lakenheath, UK, and a remote assignment at Galena Airport, Alaska. Randy faithfully served his country for 21 years in tactical aircraft maintenance, specializing in F-15s. Before retiring in 2004 with rank of Master Sergeant, he received the General Lew Allen Jr. Trophy.
Upon retirement, Randy and Diane returned home to Amherst County where they have built their forever home and been faithful members to Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church. Randy began a second career as a service advisor with Carter Machinery where he was a mentor, father figure, and great friend to his colleagues.
With a cup of never-ending coffee in hand, Randy and his beloved wife Diane continued their travels, exploring new places together and sharing favorite places with their kids and grandkids. The beach was always his favorite place to be, finding peace in the sun and sand. Together, they visited 31 states and several countries and made many trips to the beaches of North Carolina and Florida, creating lasting memories throughout their adventures.
Randy took pride in everything he did, always making sure it was done right. He especially enjoyed taking care of things around the house, and the yard was one of his favorite places to be. He loved mowing the lawn, fixing things, and keeping everything looking its best. Most weekends, when not traveling, you could find him on his lawnmower, happy to be outside and staying busy. He was the go-to for his family, always equipped with the knowledge and tools to help with projects around their homes and yards. It was his way of saying, “I love you.”
Randy was a man who never met a stranger. He will be greatly missed, but his strong work ethic, unwavering dedication, and love he shared will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Randy is survived by his wife, Diane Thompson; children, Brittany (Brandon) Ellis, of Naples, Italy and Courtney (Christian) Lund of Graham, North Carolina; grandchildren Savannah Lund and Briane, Brynna, Brayla, and Brandon Jr. “Brandt” Ellis; mother, Dorothy Thompson of Monroe; brother, George Lee Thompson, and sisters Donna Kidd, Sondra (Brian) Harris, and Dawn (Matt) Bailey; sisters-in-law Renita (Otto) Vallastro and Sharon Williamson, all of Amherst and Madison Heights, and brother-in-law Wayne (Amy) Mays, of Amherst; Air Force family Connie Rouse of Goldsboro, North Carolina and Vince and Son Dotson of Beavercreek, Ohio; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who will also miss his presence.
Randy is preceded in death by his father, George Thompson,; maternal grandparents Maryland and Edith Campbell; paternal grandparents Massie and Leafie Thompson; parents-in-law Wayne and Iris Mays; brother-in-law Eddie Kidd; and Air Force family Michael Rouse.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, August 18, 2025 from 6:00 PM till 8:00 PM at Driskill Funeral Chapel. A funeral service will be held Monday, August 18, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church. Burial is to follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Pastor Benjamin Smith and Pastor Christian Lund are officiating. Military honors are provided by the United States Air Force Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Mt. Pleasant UMC, P.O. Box 1553, Amherst, VA 24521.
