Obituary of George Holly Thompson, Jr

November 3, 1928 - February 12, 2026

George Holly Thompson Jr., 97 years of age and a resident of Guthrie, Oklahoma passed away on February 12, 2026. He was a husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. George was a friend to many, and his presence will be deeply missed.

George was born on November 03, 1928, in Kirbyville, Texas. His parents were George Holly Thompson, Sr., and Willie Mae Brown Thompson. He had two older sisters, Juanita Boyd and Elsie Garcia. These family members proceeded George in death.

George attended Kirbyville High School. He participated in the band and played football. Additionally, during his time at Kirbyville schools, George met Bobbie Jean Roberts. They eventually fell in love and were married. George and Bobbie had two children, Marshall Alan Thompson and Debra Ann Thompson. Bobbie and Marshall both proceeded George in death.

George became a machinist and made a career by working in the daily production of newspapers. He worked for the Shreveport Times and Journal, The Beaumont Enterprise and Journal as well as the Houston Chronicle. Upon retiring from the Houston Chronicle, George worked for the Texas Department of Corrections in the electrical maintenance department.

Later in life George moved back to Kirbyville, Texas. He was very personable and a friend to all. George was active in the Kirbyville Lions Club and served as president from 2008 – 2009. Additionally, the Kirbyville Chamber of Commerce awarded George “Citizen of the Year for 2009”. George also wrote several poems that were generally about friends and acquaintances. He also authored several historical articles about Kirbyville. George never saw a train that didn’t attract his full attention. His love for trains was apparent to anyone that spent time with him. Train calendars, locomotive pictures and train clocks surrounded him with a scanner or two blasting in the background. Eventually George moved to Vidor, Texas. He and Bobbie lived there for several years. They were both members of Pecan Acres Baptist Church and loved the Lord.

George is survived by daughter, Debra Bowling and Mark of Guthrie, OK; grandchildren, Blake Bowling, Holly Smith, Brett Bowling; great grandchildren, Parker Bowling, Ashlynn Smith, Anthony Bowling, Tyler Kelly.

Funeral service will be 2 pm, Friday, February 20, 2026 at Adams EE Stringer Funeral Home in Kirbyville with burial at Kirbyville Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 1 pm prior to service.

“Welcome home my good and faithful servant”