Earl Norris Thompson Sr.

Earl “Butch” Norris Thompson peacefully transitioned to be with the Lord on June 11,2026 at his home in Forest City, NC. Butch was born on February 14,1948 in Baltimore, Maryland to late Benjamin Franklin and Naomi Thompson. He was the second oldest of six children. 

Butch, as he was affectionately known by his family, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, but grew up in Forest City, North Carolina where he attended Carver High School. He accepted Christ at an early age and was an active member of Oak Grove Baptist Church until his death.   

Butch worked in multiple capacities and fields throughout his life. He was a paramedic for Rutherford County, NC. He was a banker for First Union Bank. He was a Financial Advisor for Barclays American, and he worked for American Greetings Company. In addition, he was an entrepreneur of his own painting company, as well as served with Thompson Mortuary and Chapel.   In his leisure time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and watching football. Especially the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs.     

On August 10, 1973, he married Dorothy Littlejohn. Out of this union came Tonya Littlejohn (his stepdaughter) and Earl Thompson Jr. (his son). Later, he met and married Sarah McDowell. Sarah along with his brother, Lawrence played a key role in supporting him through his illness and his transition to be with the Lord.   Butch was passionate about serving the Lord and his community. He served on the Trustee Board at Oak Grove Baptist Church for over 40 years and was Chairman for over 20 years. He served on the Forest City Planning Committee for over 10 years. He served on the Grahamtown G Team for more than 20 years, including 15 years as vice president. The organization serves the community through food distribution, educational workshops, and programs that support the revitalization of Grahamtown. He spearheaded the neighborhood watch program for Grahamtown. He served the seniors in the community by transporting them to the polls to vote. Also, he was a member of the Unionville Masonic Lodge.   

Proceeding him in death: his parents and two sisters: Geraldine Wilkerson and Cathy McNill and one grandson: Elante’ Thompson. 

Earl leaves to cherish: one daughter Tonya Littlejohn, one son Earl Thompson Jr (Debra); seven grand- children:  Maya Wilson (Iresha), Jordan Wilson, Madison Wilson, Brooklyn Wilson, Journey Wilson, Ambokile Thompson and Leah Thompson; four great-grandchildren: Aaliyah Wright, Noah Gordan, Noel Gordan and Nolan Gordan; two brothers: Lawrence McNill (Barbara), Donald McNill; one sister: Darlene McNill; one brother in law: Howard Wilkerson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. 

Services will be held at Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 12:00 PM.