Clifford Ray Thompson Sr., age 58, died peacefully after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer on March 8, 2017 at home in Lorton, VA with his family by his side.

Clifford (Tine) was born March 1, 1959 in Mt. Olive, N.C. to Edward and Emma Mae Thompson, where he graduated from North Duplin High School. Known for his athletic ability and jump shot, he lettered in both basketball and football. Also known as the star basketball player for North Duplin and the US Army basketball team.  He was the class president for several years at North Duplin. After high school, he took several college courses on an athletic scholarship before deciding to join the Army in 1978.  He served his country an astounding 33 years in a variety of roles and received numerous medals of honor during his career.  He retired fully in 2013.  After his military career, he began pursuit of his lifelong passion, cooking.  He graduated with honors Stratford University in 2015 with a degree in Culinary Arts.  Friends and family can attest to his passion and many specialty dishes.  His dream was to open a bed and breakfast. 

More than anything else, Clifford was known for being a family man.  He always put his family first and was often the glue that held it together. He is survived by wife, Theresa; five children: Clifford II, Terence, Marcus, Jonathan and Brice Howard: his brothers, James Thompson (Tina), Victor Thompson (Myra), Edwin (Rudy) Thompson (Marianne); his sisters, Lila (Ann) Franchewar (Pollant), Josephine Armwood (Larry), Audrey Thompson, Patricia Smith (Lonnie), Emma Sue Thompson; grandchildren: Anaiah, Tyra, Trinity, and Ava Thompson, Riley Nelson; his former spouse Pia Thompson, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

His funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 25 at Hills Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Faison, NC.  The family would like to thank Hills Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, McIntyre Funeral Home, and the Ft Belvoir Community Hospital for their care and support over the last year.