James “Arvol” Thompson, age 78, of Green Creek, was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, June 21, 2013. He peacefully left this world surrounded by his wife and children.

Arvol worked at Mohawk Industries in Landrum, S.C. for many years. Arvol was the son of the late Arlene Smith Thompson and William Wesley Thompson of Green Creek. He was a member of New Hope United Methodist Church in Green Creek. In addition to enjoying spending time with his family, Arvol was known for his love of the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening and bird watching.

Arvol’s heart belonged to his wife of nearly 60 years, Martha Wheeler Thompson. Together they had six children: Deborah Gregg and her husband, Gene, of Green Creek; Teresa Marlowe of Green Creek; Pam Arrowood and her husband, Kenneth, of Green Creek; Patti Sherrill and her husband, Ricky, of Green Creek; Julie Scherer and her husband, Rus, of Rutherfordton; and James Arvol “Jamie” Thompson II and his wife, Amber, of Rutherfordton.

He is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Heather Moro and her husband, Chris, of Davidson; Holly Owens and her husband, Judson, of Forest City; Sarah Minslow and her husband, Steve, of Charlotte; Andrew Sherrill of Green Creek, Caitlin Sherrill of Raleigh, Will Arrowood of Green Creek, Courtney and Nick Scherer of Rutherfordton, and Trey, Tori and Tali Thompson of Rutherfordton. Arvol had four great-grandchildren: Coleman Sidbury, Connor Owens, Kinsley Owens and Amelia Moro; and he adored his miniature poodle, Precious.

Also surviving are two brothers, Joel and Glen Howard of Green Creek, and one sister, Janice Walker of Rutherfordton.

The visitation will be on Monday, June 24, from 4-5:30 p.m. at McMahan’s Funeral Home in Rutherfordton. A memorial service will begin at 5:30 p.m. immediately following the visitation with Rev. Charles McKinney and Rev. Allen McKinney officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice of Rutherford County at hospiceofrutherford.org/donate or by mailing a check to Hospice of Rutherford County, P.O. Box 336, Forest City, N.C. 28043.

Online guest register at www.mcmahansfuneralhome.com. McMahan’s Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.