Rickie L. Thompson 1953-2022

Rickie Lee Thompson passed away on March 7, 2022 surrounded by his family, He was 69 years old.

Rick was born on February 20, 1953 in Greenville, TX to the late Abna Lee Thompson and the late Floy Rogene (McCright) Thompson. Rick grew up in East Texas with his parents and late sister Vicky (Thompson) Hughes. From an early age Rick's love of God had him actively involved in church. At 16 years old he began leading worship in various churches. During his high school years he met and then married his high school sweetheart, Carrie (Hausenfluck) Thompson on October 13, 1972. After high school Rick and Carrie went to college, worked and then started a family in 1978. God called Rick to join the U.S. Navy in 1982. While in the Navy, he worked as a Radialman and Directed several Naval Choirs. Rick was stationed to the Naval Submarine Base in Groton, Connecticut in1983. After his service to our country he opened is own business as a florist and owned Fancy Fleurs until 1985. He continued his profession as a florist long after he closed the doors to the shop. In his later years, Rick's love of the Education field and Music led him to obtain a teaching certificate from Eastern Connecticut State University (2000). He fulfilled his dream of becoming a music teacher and worked at both the Interdistrict School for Arts and Communication (ISAC) in New London, CT and Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven, CT.

While in Connecticut and being so far from home, Rick and his wife found a church that became family. In 1983 they found the Norwich Southern Baptist Chapel which later became the Norwich Worship Center. Shortly after joining the Norwich Worship Center, he directed his first Easter play (1984). This began many years of Easter and Christmas productions. Rick believed that God gave everybody the ability to sing and always encouraged others to believe in themselves. In addition, during this time, he also taught the youth, was a worship leader and he traveled to different countries and to different areas throughout the United States spreading God's love and sharing his testimony. In his later years he was appointed as a Deacon and was also a member of the choir. Rick remained an active member of the Norwich Worship Center until he went home to be with Jesus.

The legacy that he left is seen daily in the way his wife, children and grandchildren love and serve God. He loved his family immensely.

Rick was proceeded in death by his son Brandon Thompson of Ansonia, CT. Rick is survived by his wife Carrie Thompson of Groton, CT; their children Katynia Speight and her spouse Shane Speight of Lebanon, CT, Vicktrie Hilario and her spouse Marcus Hilario of Lebanon, CT, Mariah Chapman and her Spouse Richard Chapman of North Tonawanda, NY, Eugene Brown and His spouse Tel Brown of Ledyard. Rick also leaves behind nine grandchildren: Sierra Speight, Troy Thompson, Taylor Speight, Isaac Tucker, Tyler Thompson, Makiah Speight, Carly Brown, Samuel Hilario and Gabriel Hilario.

Services will be held at the Norwich Worship Center, 165 Lawler Lane, Norwich, CT on Saturday March 12, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Flowers/Condolences may be sent to the Norwich Worship Center address.