MILA—Wriston Augustus Thompson Jr., 86, passed away on April 25, 2025, after a long illness.
Born in 1938 in Atlanta, Georgia, Wriston grew up in Asheville, North Carolina, where he met and later married his high school sweetheart, Jeanette. They shared 61 wonderful years together before her passing in 2020. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Wriston A. Thompson, and Marguerite W. Thompson.
Wriston is survived by daughters, Vicki Tambellini (Dave), Mitzi Staton and Rebecca Collins (Ron); grandchildren, Katelyn Ilkani (Awat), Chase Tambellini, Lauren Staton and Haley Thomson; and great-grandsons, Grant and John Ilkani.
He graduated in 1960 from Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, North Carolina, and went on to dedicate 38 years with JCPenney. Throughout his many relocations, he and Jeanette built lasting friendships.
Wriston loved to play tennis and golf. He fell in love with country music when they lived in Nashville and music became a favorite pastime. Upon retirement, he and Jeanette settled in Midlothian.
A man of deep faith and conviction, he was an active member of his church and Knights of Columbus where he served as Grand Knight. He will be remembered for this unwavering faith, love for and commitment to his wife and his family and sense of humor.
A Mass for Wriston and Memorial for Jeanette will be held at 2 p.m. May 15 at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, 2700 Dolfield Drive, North Chesterfield, VA 23235. Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m. Interment and a reception will immediately follow Mass.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Knights of Columbus or Ladies Auxiliary C/O St. Edward (see address above).
