Rayburn (Bud) Alex Thompson, Sr., 87, of Salem, passed away on Monday, October 9, 2017.

Bud was born in Charmco, WVa. to the late Wyatt and Viola Thompson. He graduated from Concord College in Athens, WVa. and later retired from State Farm Insurance Companies after 35 years of service. Traveling was among his favorite activities. He was a committed and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Hazel Lemasters; and brother, James W. Thompson.

His surviving family includes his wife of 64 years, Wanda Winfrey Thompson; children, Wanda Thompson Moffett and husband, Bill, Susan Thompson Polansky and husband, Ed, and Rayburn (Bud) Alex Thompson, Jr. and wife, Peggy; grandchildren, Megan Johnson and husband, Eric, William Moffett and wife, Erin, and Katy Robins and wife, Amy, Kevin Riffle and wife, Megan, Jason Polansky, Rayburn Alex Thompson III and wife, Megen, and Emily Thompson Edwards and husband, Bo; great-grandchildren, Scott and Reese Johnson, William and Samuel Moffett, Scarlette and Devin Riffle, and Anna Thompson; and sisters, Clara Henderson, Mina Shafer, and Betty Alderson.

Sincere thanks is extended to the staff of Salem Terrace who provided care and comfort to Bud for four years.

A period of visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 14, 2017, in the John M. Oakey & Son Chapel in Salem. The funeral service will then begin at 2 p.m. with Rev. Will Robinson officiating. The entombment will immediately follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens in Roanoke.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Gentle Shepherd Hospice at 6045 Peters Creek Road in Roanoke, Va. 24019 which provided care and comfort during the last few months of Bud’s illness. Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.