Charles Wayne "Red" Thompson

Charles Wayne Thompson
Aka:  “Red,” “Red Ant,” “Buck,” “Buster,” “Santa Claus”
Born on December 13, 1938, he passed into eternal rest peacefully on February 25th 2021, after a short battle with cancer.
Red was born in Kelso, TN., to Sallie and Herman Thompson. He was the youngest of ten children. The story goes that his parents had a hard time coming up with a name for him, so he really had no official name for 3 months and was referred to as Buster.  This must have somehow shaped his personality which enabled him to pick up various nicknames throughout his life and helped him develop an unbridled sense of humor.  His family were sharecroppers and moved quite frequently, picking crops.
When he went to school the kids began calling him “Red” because of his bright red hair.  Eventually the “ant” was added on for some reason. Hopefully someone out there knows the story?  He graduated from Flintville High School where he played basketball.  He and his classmates were close and have had reunions for over 50 years.  Years later he would reconnect with others who attended Flintville, and regular adventures would ensue which usually revolved around road trips finding interesting restaurants.  He loved to eat!
Red was a member of the National Guard serving in an artillery unit as a cook.  Stories have been told of some interesting ideas of menu items he created!  His nieces will testify that he could make a huge pot of amazing chili and hot chocolate - perfect on a cold, snowy day!
He moved to Nashville in his early 20’s where he lived with his sister, Annie Lee, and her family for four years.  After he fell in love and married Linda Collins, they moved to East Nashville before buying the house next door to Annie Lee.  The two families have had many great times together at holidays and trips. They have also had some great fun sledding on snow days.  He and Linda were very much part of the lives of his nieces, Kim and Kathy, growing up. Their home provided hours of crafts, dress up, and some great card games!   In the 1970’s he and Linda, who were unable to have children, became foster parents. They had 10 children come through their home. They loved each child as if they were their own, and they provided a nurturing environment to each of them.
Red worked as a truck driver in Nashville for Sealtest Milk until they closed.  Then he worked for Kroger’s.  This is where he gained his name Santa Claus because his red hair and beard had now turned white.  He loved his routes and developed many friendships and always had a good joke or story to tell (some true, some not so true.)
Always a farm boy at heart, he and Linda purchased the land that his parents last lived on in Lincoln.  Red became a commuter going back and forth to Nashville.  He loved to farm and the country life, whereas Linda was a city girl.  After Linda’s death, he moved permanently to Lincoln, planted his garden, canned the fruits of his labors, and had livestock including cows, Jenny’s and lastly goats.  His long-time high school friend, Margie, enjoyed helping him can and garden, and they had many good times before her death.  He enjoyed his morning meetings with friends at the Lincoln Mini-Mart where many tall tales were most certainly told. He attended church at Vanntown Baptist Church and enjoyed spending time with his friends there.
Red will always be remembered for his ever-present sense of humor, quick wit, practical jokes. and ability to come up with a good story.  He simply loved talking and loved people.  He grew some awesome tomatoes, other vegetables, and sunflowers in his garden and loved helping his friend Dan Shelton on his farm.  His greatest treasures were his friends!  Memories of him will be great stories and laughter, and that is how he would wish to be remembered!
Red was preceded in death by his parents, Sallie and Herman Thompson; his wife, Linda, and long-time companion and friend Margie Galbraith; his beloved sister, Annie Lee (Bill); brothers and sisters, Ruby Morgan (O. H.), Sue Locke, Lucille McClure (Tip), Pauline Simmons (Eddie), Joe Thompson, Raymond Thompson (Flora), and Frank Thompson (Ruby).  Those who remain to carry on Red’s memories are his loving nieces, Kim Mansfield Hoscheit (Jon), and Kathy Mansfield Huggins (Larry); grand-nephews, Matthew and Craig; many beloved and dear friends including Raymond Posey (Nancy), Dan, Stacy, Oliver, and Paisley Shelton; caretaker and friend, Lana Calcote; and many nieces, nephews and numerous friends, their children and grandchildren – all whom he loved to aggravate!
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Vanntown Baptist Church Building Fund (45 N Vanntown School Rd., Flintville, TN 37335.)

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Vanntown Baptist Church Building Fund (45 N Vanntown School Rd., Flintville, TN 37335)
Visitation will be Monday, March 1, 2021 from 9:30 AM until 11 AM with funeral services at 11 with Rev. Eddie Graves officiating. Burial will follow at Lincoln Cemetery.
Hazel Green Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.