Randolph Murray Thomson

Randolph Murray Thomson, 92, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2014 at Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem. Randy was born at home in Havana, Cuba on October 6, 1921 to William MacKeen and Eloise Wardlaw Thomson. Randy's father was manager of The Royal Bank of Canada in Cuba and his mother was formerly a Presbyterian Missionary and teacher in Cuba. His family moved to Miami, Florida in 1926 when Randy was five years old. Randy met his best friend for life, Mary Hall Turner, in Miami at age 6. The Thomson and Turner families being lifelong friends, Randy and Mary grew up together at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Miami and were married at the Turner home following Randy's return from military service in Europe on Aug. 21, 1945. Over the years Randy and Mary made their home in Southern Pines (N.C.), Miami, Key Biscayne (Fla.) Coral Gables (FL.), Asheboro (N.C.) and Winston-Salem (N.C.). Randy and Mary moved to Key Biscayne in 1951, and had a wonderful life there raising their four children and being active in the small island community, moving in 1970 to Coral Gables. Randy attended the University of Florida and entered the U.S. Army in 1942. He was selected for Officer Candidate School and became an Artillery Officer in the 17th Airborne Division. Lt. Randolph Thomson served with distinction in the European Theater during 1944-1945 including Operation Varsity and The Battle of the Bulge. Returning from the war, Randy and Mary made their home in Miami, Florida where he joined his father and brothers in the real estate firm of William Thomson and Sons. Randy enjoyed success in a wide range of real estate endeavors and, in particular, negotiating and acquiring valued real estate holdings for his clients. In his later years Randy and Mary moved to Asheboro, N.C. where he was instrumental at Thermaco, Inc. Randy served as a Boy Scout Leader, as a leader in First Presbyterian Church Miami, as a long-running youth Sunday School teacher and as a mentor to countless business and non-business men and women. Randy loved meeting people and learning about their backgrounds, interests and dreams. He had a gift for inspiring others to be all they could be. Randy and Mary were married 64 years until her passing in 2009. Randy was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William MacKeen Thomson (Mary Louise Wardlaw), and his brothers Donald, De Lacey, William and Addison. Randy is survived by his brother David M. (Mary) of Sebring, FL.; by his four children and their spouses: Dr. William MacKeen Thomson (Dr. Catherine Luh) of St. Louis (MO.), Laura Thomson Hemphill (James) of Winston-Salem, Susan Thomson Batten (William) of Asheboro and Jean Thomson Baker (Richard) of Naples, FL.; Grandchildren Tim Thomson (Kristy), Julie Thomson Hagedorn (Scott), Gregory Thomson (Bethany),Kevin MacKeen Thomson (Becky), John Randolph Hemphill (Melinda), Lee Bennett Hemphill (Maegan), Laura Turner Hemphill, Thomas Holt Batten, Randolph Hall Batten, Sarah Baker Valdivia (Danny), and Leah Mary Baker Boyette (John); 14 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Randolph Thomson will be on Sunday, June 29, 2014 at 2:00p.m at First Presbyterian Church of Asheboro, with the Rev. Brian Gawf and Rev. Connie Weaver officiating. The family will receive friends following the memorial service in the church fellowship hall. A private interment will take place prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to First Presbyterian Church Asheboro Capital Campaign Fund or a charity of one's choice. The family expresses their profound admiration and appreciation to the loving caregivers and staff at Brighton Gardens Assisted Living in Winston-Salem. Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro, NC is serving the Thomson family.