Heyward Thompson as honored at the Dillon County Council For The Aging’s annual meeting recently for serving on the council’s Board of Directors for 38 years.
Thompson accepted the nomination to serve on the Board of Directors in March 1976. In September 1979, he accepted the chairmanship of the nominating committee, which he has held for 35 years.
“He has and continues to be very dedicated to the improvement of the lives of our senior population in Dillon County,” said Spivey. “Mr. Thompson is a man of commitment, dependability, intelligence, and a deep love for people in our community.”
Thompson is a World War II veteran having entered the U.S. Army on February 23, 1943 in Fork Jackson.
During the war, Thompson served as a medical aid man. His decorations and citations include the American Theatre Service Ribbon, APT Service Medal, and a World War II Victory Medal.. He was honorably discharged as a Corporal on March 19, 1946 at Camp Gordon, Georgia.
Thompson is a deacon at Manning Baptist Church, where he has been a member for more than 40 years.
He is actively involved in the community. He is a member of the AARP, a 50-year member of American Legion Post 226, a life member of the DAV, a member of Florence and Affiliated Counties Baptist Missionary and Education Union, where he serves on the executive board, and a Master Mason for 50 years, where he served as Worship Master for that organization for a number of years.
Thompson received the American Legion National Commander Tom Brook Certificate of Appreciation for his outstanding work with Post 226.
Thompson was the Dillon County honoree at the S.C. Black Family Expo Honoring Our Elders.
Thompson served as a bailiff in the Dillon County court system for24 years.
Thompson operated a shoe shop for 47 years from 1965 until 2012 retiring at age 89.
Thompson is married to the former Cathleen Hamilton. They have eight children (five girls and three boys), 19 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren.
His daughter, Phyllis Morrison, and wife, Cathleen, were in attendance at the presentation.
