Joe Lee Thompson, Former Cobb County Commissioner, Passes Away

Joe Lee Thompson, age 77, of Vinings, passed away Saturday, September 5. Funeral service will be held 11 am Wednesday, September 9 at the Smyrna First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Marvin “Doc” Frady officiating. Interment will be at Kennesaw Memorial Park Cemetery.

A longtime Atlanta resident, Mr. Thompson graduated from Bass High School and later attended Georgia Tech on a football scholarship. After graduation he moved to Cobb County, where he was employed by Smyrna Federal Savings and Loan, and served as Vice President of mortgage and lending.

After 10 years in the mortgage business, he entered politics, winning a State Senate Seat in 1972 where he represented Cobb County for 12 years. After his dedicated service at the State level, Mr. Thompson was elected to the Cobb County Board of Commissions in 1993, representing District 2.

As Commissioner, Mr. Thompson earned a reputation as a thoughtful decision maker and visionary, evidenced by his many accomplishments. Most notably the widening of Atlanta Road to 5 lanes which transformed the entire area from a declining industrial corridor , to a vibrant residential community. Mr. Thompson was instrumental in the multi million dollar renovation of Cumberland Mall, the opening of the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center and the improvement of the East West Connector, in addition to many other projects. Mr. Thompson’s wisdom and leadership, his remarkable patience and diplomacy, vision and effective communications earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and associates.

While serving as Commissioner from 1993-2008, which was the longest serving district commissioner in the history of the county, he was also a leader in many civic and business organizations. In addition to his political and business accomplishments, Mr. Thompson was devoted to his church for many years, serving as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher as well as superintendent of Sunday School at Roswell Street Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife Charlsie Thompson of Vinings, son Joe (Kelli) Thompson, Jr. of Florida, daughters Kelly Thompson of Avondale Estates, Deannie Robinson of Decatur, Lee (Gene) Cork of Marietta, grandchildren Bobby and Emi Cork, Abby, Aubrey, Jade, Autumn and Evan Thompson. Mr. Thompson will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

We celebrate not only his life of service here on earth, but we celebrate his new life of service in God’s Kingdom. The family will receive friends from 4-8 pm Tuesday, September 8 at the Carmichael Funeral Home in Smyrna.