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A leaf from the Thompson family tree fell this past Wednesday, December 11, 2024. Irven Ira Thompson, 85, lost his courageous battle with lung cancer alongside his family. Irven was one of seven siblings born to Goldie and Alfred Thompson on October 14, 1939 in Inez, Kentucky. He graduated from Williamson High School in 1957. Around this time, Irven met Carole Mounts and they were high school sweethearts. The two were married on January 2, 1960, while Irven was still in the military. Following school, he then joined the U.S. Navy. Serving on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Lake Champlain, Irven represented a nation he proudly loved. His ship recovered Alan Sheppard of the Freedom 7, the first manned space flight. Also during service, Irven detected a Russian submarine through diligent radar work. After military duties, Irven worked at Southern Railway. He eventually advanced his career, becoming a Trainmaster for Norfolk Southern Railway. Moving to N.C., to raise his three children became the next joy of his life. Hard work and determination were values Irven prided himself on- always putting his family first. He was a true family man. His hard work shone through as he took his family on countless vacations to Hawaii, the Caribbean and of course the family's most sentimental: Anna Maria Island, F.L. In retirement, Irven refused to have idle hands. Whether it was planting a rose garden for his wife, going to the Kentucky Derby with his best friends, hunting and fishing, attending sports games at UNC-Chapel Hill or taking his grandkids on pontoon boat rides on Lake Norman- Irven never ceased to provide and uplift. He was preceded to heaven by his mother and father, his brother Ronald Thompson and sister Amarie Kennedy, as well as his infant son Mitchell. Irven is survived by his darling wife of 64 years and mother to his children Carole Thompson of Mooresville, N.C.; their children Debbie Kelly (Joe) of Charlotte, N.C., Michael Thompson (Carla) of Raleigh, N.C. and Tommy Thompson (April) of Cary, N.C.; two grandchildren: Caroline and John Kelly; brothers Don, Lloyd, Harold and James as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. While our family has experienced the grave loss of Irven, we realize the far-reaching impact he's had and the loss many others in his community and church have experienced as well. To know Irven was to love him, even with all his witty jokes. Although he's no longer physically with us, we can all choose to honor his memory in the small things in life. Whether that's enjoying the serenity of the beach on vacation, a fresh cup of coffee in the morning, going to a Carolina Tar Heel ball game, writing poems to a loved one, finding gratitude in being around family- his memory and legacy remains with us. He was dearly loved by his family, friends and Christian brothers and sisters of the Lake Norman Church of Christ- he will be greatly missed. Irven's faith in God was strong; we all hope to be with him again one day in heaven. - Written by his granddaughter, Caroline Grace Kelly The family will receive friends on Friday, December 20, 2024, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 21 at the chapel of Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville with Rev. Rob Albright officiating. Burial will follow the service at Holly Hill Memorial Park Cemetery, Thomasville, NC at 2:00 PM. Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville is proudly serving the Thompson family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.

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Irven Ira Thompson

October 14, 1939 - December 11, 2024