Charles Ritchie Thompson

Charles Ritchie Thompson, 99, of Forestville, MD passed away on January 8, 2023 after a long and full life. Charles was born on October 30, 1923 in Charlotte Hall, MD to J. Wilson and Bertie M. (Edwards) Thompson. He was the youngest of six children and grew up on a farm in St. Mary’s County, Maryland. Charles served in the Army during WWII, and then had a career as a lineman for the railroad. 

Making friends wherever he went, Charles was a light and joyful presence. He enjoyed playing horseshoes, working on crossword puzzles, listening to bluegrass music, and having a “cone of cream.” He took long walks everyday, faithfully served as an usher at his church, and liked being outside. More than anything, Charles loved spending time with his family.

While working as a mechanic, Charles met Annie whose car had broken down on a trip to Charles County. They married in 1952 and enjoyed 52 years of marriage. Charles and Annie loved spending time with family and though they lived in Washington, DC for Charles to travel from Union Station to work on the railroad lines, they regularly visited family back in Southern Maryland. They had one child, Mae, and the three enjoyed time on the family farm and making annual trips to Gettysburg, PA. 

Charles liked growing a vegetable garden, exercising, brain puzzles, and playing outside with his grandchildren. After retirement, Charles and Annie spent even more time visiting family throughout the area and going “down to the country” and having Maryland blue crabs at Drift Inn. They enjoyed vacations to the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and were a large part of their grandchildren’s lives. After losing his wife and then daughter, Charles continued to devote his time to his grandchildren and especially loved seeing his great grandchildren growing up in his final years. He was a beloved grandfather and will be greatly missed.  

Charles was predeceased by his wife, Annie (Griffith) Thompson and daughter, Mae (Thompson) McClanahan. He is survived by his son-in-law, Marvin McClanahan; granddaughters, Pamela McClanahan and Annie (McClanahan) Pearson, and her husband Chris; and great grandchildren, Josh and Avery Pearson.

Visitation will be held at Lee Funeral Home in Owings, MD on Thursday, January 19 from 10am - 12pm with a funeral service at 12pm in the chapel at Lee Funeral Home followed by interment at Trinity Memorial Gardens in Waldorf, MD.