Keith Michael Thompson

Keith Michael Thompson Sr. passed away unexpectedly in Orlando, Florida on June 25, 2020 at the age of 68.

Keith was loved by all and treasured by many. Anyone that knew him, knew him for his quick wit and easy laughs. He was a lover of life that spent every moment loving his family and smiling that smile we all knew and loved. Never afraid to crack an inappropriate joke—as he probably would right now—Keith always managed to make someone laugh and bring light to any room. The calm and peaceful sun that warmed any stormy day, Keith always brought a certain patience and comfort to life's difficult moments, just as he would if he were here today. Like he would want, we can celebrate Keith by rejoicing in the joys of his life rather than the feeling of emptiness left in his passing.

Born in New Orleans in 1952, Keith never forgot his Louisiana roots and taught his kids to love the Saints just as much as he did. His beloved football team was the only thing that could test his unbreakably optimistic spirit, but even when he was sure they wouldn't win, they would pull it off and he would always say "never in doubt." This phrase said more about Keith than it did the Saints; no matter what the case, he always believed in and supported those he loved. His love of sports rivaled that of his love for the food from "back home", and he would have listed watching the Saints win the Super Bowl and the Cubs win the World Series as some of the best days of his life—after his wedding day and the birth of his children of course.

He walked through life hand in hand with his high school sweetheart and forever "bride", Gay-Ann Marie Thompson, who was by his side for 52 years total and 48 years of marriage. Anyone who knew Keith, knew his kids, Keith "Rocky" Michael Thompson Jr. (wife, Candace), Patrick Joseph Thompson (wife, Kathy) and Ashley Michelle Thompson (partner, Andrew), were his world and greatest joy in life. He would have done—and did do— anything for them, and his role as their hero here on earth has only been upgraded to their angel up in heaven.

Along with his beloved wife and children, Keith is survived by his grandchildren Hailey Michelle Thompson, Lilly Winnie Thompson, and Keith "Hunter" Michael Thompson III, his sister in-law Josephine Thompson, nieces Paige and Tiffany and their families. He is preceded in death by his brother Kenneth Beck (wife, Ann), his brother Patrick William Thompson and his sister Sharon A. Rome (husband, the late Harold Rome). He is the son of the late Patrick O. Thompson and the late Clara Jean Beck.

Due to the current environment with COVID-19, the family has decided to postpone a celebration of life until his birthday in January. Details will be shared at a later date. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Keith's life. Condolences can be sent to thompsongayann@gmail.com.

Keith wouldn't want even something as somber as this to end without a smile. So just as he would have wanted, imagine turning on the radio right now and hearing the lyrics of one of his favorite bands, The Eagles, fill the air: And maybe someday we will find, that it wasn't really wasted time.