Donald Ray Tompkins

Donald Ray Tompkins, Sr., passed peacefully into the arms of his Heavenly Father while surrounded by his family on April 2, 2026. Donald proudly served in the Navy from 1958 to 1962 on the USS Norris (DD-859) destroyer ship. He worked at Crestline Plastics for twenty-nine and a half years. Donald enjoyed raising cattle, tending to his farm, and gardening. He married Sharon Durham Tompkins in 1964, and they were married for 61 years. He also coached junior pro basketball at Slaughters School. He loved supporting the Kentucky Wildcats from the comfort of his recliner. Although they couldn't hear him, his wife made sure to let him know she could hear him "loud and clear."

His greatest love was for the Lord. Donald dedicated his life to the Lord in 1964 and served at Nebo Baptist Church and later at Slaughters Baptist Church, where he had been a member since 1979. He deeply cherished his family and friends and was known as a quiet, strong man of faith. Donald lived a simple life, yet also enjoyed some exciting trips and gatherings with his wife and family.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Finis and Grace Tompkins, brothers Joe, William, Henry, Cecil, Bobby, and sisters Irene, Stella, Mabel, and Nancy. Donald is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sharon Durham Tompkins of Slaughters; sons Donnie (Lisa) Tompkins of Hanson, KY, and Darren (Tonya) Tompkins of Foley, Alabama; grandchildren Alex (Liz) Carroll, Celeste (Josh) Brown, Zane (Jess) Tompkins, Sofia (Nick) Rodgers, Devin Tompkins, Alexa Tompkins, Brandon Tompkins, Gwen (Jared) Groves and Destinie Tompkins; as well as great-grandchildren Judah, Reese, Katherine, Titus, and Ingram; nieces, nephews, and his brother in laws Jimmy Durham and James Ballard.

Services will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday April 8th at Slaughters Baptist Church.

Brother Lynn Young, Brother Carl Nelson and Brother Brad Tucker will officiate.

Burial will follow in Slaughters Cemetery with full military rites.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 4:00 until 7:00 at Slaughters Baptist Church and Wednesday from 9:00 AM until service time at the church.

Pallbearers will be Alex Carroll, Zane Tompkins, Devin Tompkins, Brandon Tompkins, Josh Brown and Jared Groves.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gideons International or St. Anthony's Hospice.

Tomblinson Funeral Home Sebree Chapel is handling arrangements.