Mr. Gerald Jan “Jerry” Thompson, Sr., 83, of Elberton Road, Vesta Community, Carlton, GA, husband of 59 years to Mary Jean Craft Thompson, entered into rest on Sunday, June 26, 2022, at Quiet Oaks Health Care Center in Crawford, GA. Mr. Thompson was born in Dothan, AL on September 20, 1938, son of the late Columbus Thompson and Lota Bell Best Thompson. A farm boy at heart, Jerry moved to Atlanta, GA after graduating high school and began working in the insurance industry. It was during this time he met Mary Jean Craft, a young lady from Vesta, and as the story was written, “the rest is history!” Soon after the birth of their only son, Gerald Jan Thompson, Jr., the young couple moved to Vesta where they would call home for the remainder of Jerry’s life. It is in Vesta where he continued working in the insurance business and made many lifelong friends along the way. He was a longtime member of Vesta Baptist Church where he was a past deacon and sang in the church choir. Jerry served his country faithfully in the U.S. Army National Guard. Jerry will be most remembered for his ability to grow the best vegetables and fruits around - especially watermelons! His infectious laugh and love of life will be treasured always. We take great comfort in knowing that he is without pain and suffering and has been reunited with his son, Gerald, who preceded him to Heaven on October 19, 2021, parents Columbus and Lota Bell, and siblings Kate Bruce, Ina Claire Henning, Cecil Thompson, Grace Silcox, Norris Thompson, Morris Thompson, and Paul Thompson. Survivors, in addition to his wife Mary Jean, include “his little man”, grandson and the light of his life, August Ridge Thompson and daughter-in-law, Sonja Chow Thompson, all of Vesta. He also leaves behind his siblings: Silas Thompson and Patricia Carroll, both of Dothan, AL; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Funeral services celebrating Jerry’s life will be held on Tuesday, June 28, at 2 o’clock at Vesta Baptist Church with the Rev. Russell Bruce officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with the Rev. Eric Stevens officiating. The family is at the residence and will receive friends on Monday, June 27, from 6:00-8:00p.m. at Berry Funeral Home. Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in his memory to Vesta Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 35 New Hope Vesta Road, Carlton, GA 30627. Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com. Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mr. Gerald Jan “Jerry” Thompson, Jr.