THOMPSON George Hugh Thompson Sr., age 68, was born on January 27, 1940 in St. Vincent's Hospital and passed away peacefully around 4:30 a.m. on Thursday morning, April 24th, 2008 at his home in Ortega. Hugh graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1958, served in the U.S. Army and served over 10 years in the National Guard Reserves. After his enlistment in the military, he began his career in the insurance business where he retired as vice president from Peninsula Life Insurance Co. in 1980 in Atlanta, Ga. Following his retirement, he moved back to Jacksonville, where he started his own trucking business, G. H. Thompson & Son Trucking. He worked in the business until his retirement in 2003. Hugh was a 32nd Degree Mason and active member of the Ribault Masonic Lodge, the Morocco Temple and the Scottish Rite. He is a past member of the motorcycle escort for the Morocco Temple and he especially enjoyed his involvement in raising money to help the Shriner's Hospitals and local disabled children. At the time of Hugh's death and for a full 10 days leading up to his death, he was comforted and surrounded by the people who cared for him deeply. His wife, children and grandchildren provided all of the care that was necessary and each person guided him in their own way through the final days of his life. During those final days, he was aware that his wishes of being in his own bed in his own home were being fulfilled. He was visited by many lifelong friends who reminisced about their life experiences and good times. Hugh was predeceased by his father, Julius Meadows Thompson, and his mother, Gospie Mae Hurst Hudmon. He is survived by his wife Deborah Rae Thompson. His children: Debbie (Cary), Cherri (Roger); Hugh Jr. (Robyn), Tiffani (Mike); grandchildren: Courtney, Ashley (Shad), Kerry (Terri), Lauren, Hugh III, Jordan, Tarah, Graham and Taylour; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth and Tate. In celebration of Hugh's life, a memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. Sunday, April 27, in the chapel of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 729 South Edgewood Ave. Donations can be made in Hugh's name to the Morocco Shrine Temple, 2800 St. Johns Bluff Road, Jacksonville, Fla. 32224. Following Sunday's service friends and family are invited to attend a reception in Hugh's honor. Details and location will be given following the service. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com