Lester Thompson

Lester Olin Thompson, 92, of Moultrie, passed away on Friday, September 19, 2025, at his home surrounded by family.

Born December 7, 1932, at the home of Big Papa Lokey on Old Berlin Road, Colquitt County, Georgia. Son of the late Leonard Monroe (L.M.) Thompson and Adell Lokey.

Lester was a loving and devoted husband and father. A man of integrity defined by his quiet strength, generous spirit, and deep love for his family and the simple pleasures in life. His patience and attention to detail extended to all areas of his life. In addition, he was also an exceptional driver.

Lester was baptized in 1949 in the creek at Reedy Creek Baptist Church, Colquitt County. While living in LaGrange, he was ordained as a deacon at Unity Baptist Church. When he and Barbara returned to Colquitt County in 1965 with their children, they joined First Baptist Church, Moultrie. They attended and supported their church faithfully. He served on many committees and as secretary for his Sunday School department. At home, blessings before meals and reading his bible just before bedtime was a custom he never missed.

He attended Crosland and Reedy Creek Grammar Schools and graduated from Moultrie High School in 1950. He graduated from ABAC in 1952 and the University of Georgia School of Forestry with a B. S. Degree in 1954. After graduating, he worked with Georgia Forestry Commission building fire lookout towers in South Georgia. He was drafted to the Army January 1955, received infantry training at Fort Jackson, SC, followed by his overseas assignment at Eielson AFB, Alaska. His bride, Barbara, joined him in Alaska, August 1955. He was discharged from active-duty December 1956, and was on standby in the US Army Reserve, Georgia Militia District, until 1963.

He and Barbara returned to Georgia and Lester began his long and successful career in Forestry. His first job (1957) was with International Paper Company in LaGrange for six years. He was transferred to Southlands Experiment Forest (1962) in Bainbridge, GA as Operations Forester.

After three years in Bainbridge, he came home to Colquitt County (1965). He took a position with Secrest Pulpwood and Timber as the Northern Division Manager and later a Vice-President. From 1976 - 2002, he was self-employed as a Consulting Forester and Real Estate Broker, specializing in farm land and timber land sales and reforestation. He will tell you he loved his work, had wonderful clients, and made lasting relationships through his business.

In addition, he was also a farmer and land owner. He had been a member of Farm Bureau since returning to Colquitt County in 1965. He put in one of the first center pivot electric irrigation systems and grew a record yield per acre of seed corn. He achieved the status as Colquitt County and District Soil and Water Conservationist of the year 1984/85. When he could no longer farm the land himself, he leased the land to experienced farmers, ensuring the land remains in agricultural production. His long-standing commitment to reforestation as a registered forester and the conservation efforts in the agriculture industry testify to his desire to protect and preserve these resources for future generations.

Preceding him in death, his wife, Barbara Willis Thompson. They were married March 25, 1955 at New Bethel Baptist Church in Colquitt Co, GA.

He is survived by his children, Regina Murray Calhoun, GA, Paula Neely (John) Moultrie, Michael Willis Thompson (Elizabeth) of Alpharetta, GA

Grandchildren: Jennifer Dowdy (Seth), Katherine Plunkett (Brent), John Michael Neely, Emily Olson (Jake), Paige Thompson, Will Thompson (Amelia). Great-Grandchildren: Bayler Plunkett, Case Plunkett, Grant Olson, and Lily Dowdy. Brother: Harry Thompson (Gail) Sister-in-law: Linna Carver (Herman) Nieces and Nephews: Joey Thompson (Karen), Darby Sewell (Jeff), Alfred Carver (Teresa), Reggie Carver (Teresa), Richard Carver (Sadie). Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025, at First Baptist Church Moultrie, with Reverend Wayne Woods and Mr. Harry Thompson officiating. Interment will follow at Westview Cemetery. Mr. Thompson’s grandchildren and nephews will serve as pallbearers. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Baker Funeral Home.

The family appreciates flowers, or, if preferred, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Moultrie 400 S. Main St. Moultrie, Georgia 31768 .