Obituary of Paul Thompson

WINTER HAVEN - Dr. Paul Thompson, 69, of Winter Haven was called home by his Creator March 29 2012 after complications with leukemia. Paul was raised in Tampa by his parents, the late Paul and Grace Thompson. He attended schools in Tampa and graduated with the charter class of the University of South Florida in 1963. He received a fellowship to the University of Georgia in 1964 and earned a Master's degree in counseling. He received a Doctor of Education degree from Nova University in 1975. Paul served as the Director of guidance in Lake Wales junior and senior schools for six years. He was also the principal of Lake Wales Adult School before being employed at Polk Community (State) College in 1971. During his 32 years at Polk Community College he taught classes in education, psychology, and sociology. He also wrote and managed several grants in small business and cooperative education. In 1999, he was recognized by the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development as an "Outstanding Educator." In 2000, Dr. Thompson was the recipient of the PCC Faculty Chair for his contributions to PCC and the community. Dr. Thompson was a president of the Faculty Senate, Florida Association of Community Colleges chapter president, and a pioneer in introducing live televised interactive and internet classes at Polk Community College. For 27 years he sponsored and led the PCC Snow Ski Club on Christmas and Spring breaks snow ski trips. Dr. Thompson retired from PCC in 2003, but continued teaching internet classes for Warner University as an adjunct professor. Paul is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sylvia Valenti Thompson. They met at Hillsborough High School and married in 1964. Paul credits his wife with getting him through his graduate degrees by editing and typing his papers. He had two children; Laura T. Parker from Winter Haven, a math teacher and a son, Steven Thompson from Viera, project engineer. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Nicole Parker, Kevin Parker, Nathan Thompson and Chase Thompson and a sister Martha Sanders of Trenton, Florida. Paul enjoyed traveling, camping, snow and water skiing with his family for many years. He was an avid golfer and a member of the Cypresswood Men's Golf Association. Paul and his wife have visited all 50 states and 6 of the continents. Paul was a member of Hope Presbyterian Church in Winter Haven and served as an Elder and coordinator of the Columbarium. A memorial service will be held at Hope Presbyterian Church, 2110 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven FL 33884 on April 15, 2012 at 11:45am. Donations are requested to Hope Presbyterian Church in lieu of flowers.