Gregory Allison Thompson, enjoyed helping out

Gregory Allison Thompson, 85, of Dagsboro passed away at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes Sunday, April 11, 2021.  He was born in Topeka, Kan., Jan. 21, 1936, son of the late Ralph Bruce Thompson and Helen Stanley Thomas.

He graduated from Bethesda Chevy Chase High School in Bethesda, Md., and attended the University of Maryland. After serving his country in the U.S. Army, he worked for the federal government as a linguist and data systems analyst.  He was also employed by Dialcom, British Telecom, ITT and Alcatel, from which he retired in 1998.

He married his high school sweetheart, Janet Lois Orndorff, who survives him.  They had three children, Gary Alan, Kenneth Scott and his wife Julie, and Natalie Beth.  His daughter predeceased him in 2020.  Four grandchildren, Christopher Hunter Thompson, Logan Walker Thompson, Sierra Allision Owen and Mackenzie Clunan survive him. His brother, Donald Bruce Thompson of Merced, Calif., predeceased him.  His West Coast family include Heather Thompson, Don’s wife, and their two children and six grandchildren.

Greg’s interests were many.  He loved gardening and the environment.  Over the years, he served many garden clubs and plant societies in various capacities.  He and Jan lived in Adelphi and Highland, Md., and in Purcellville, Va., before moving to Dagsboro in 1999.  He coached girls softball and cheered on his children’s sports and scouting participation.  He was a sand sculptor on the beach of Fenwick Island and wood carver at home.  Among his joys were the Redskins, lighthouses, greyhounds, ice cream and chess.  He was a volunteer with the Center for the Inland Bays, the Millsboro Library and Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park.  He was happiest when “helping out.”

Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services are private.