Richard Leon Thompson, a lifelong resident of Paducah, Kentucky, passed away on December 4, 2025, surrounded by family at the age of 93. Born on October 31, 1932, in Paducah, he lived a full and dedicated life rooted in family, service, and community.
Richard proudly served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Army during the Korean War. After returning home, he built a career as an auto mechanic and became the owner and operator of RSS Automotive alongside his son, Terry. His work ethic and mechanical skills earned him respect throughout the community and among generations of loyal customers. Beyond his professional life, Richard was deeply involved in civic organizations. He was a long-time member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, where he served with distinction as secretary of Aerie #3135 and later as Kentucky State President. His leadership and commitment to fellowship left a lasting impact on those who served with him.
Richard was also the recipient of several honors that reflected both his community spirit and his unmistakable Kentucky pride. He was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel, recognized as a “Duke” of Paducah, and named an Honorary Member of the Kentucky Moonshiners – titles he accepted with humility and a sense of fun, and which brought him great joy to share with family and friends. A passionate fan of motorsports, Richard enjoyed watching NASCAR and attending local dirt track races. He was also an avid supporter of the University of Kentucky basketball, rarely missing a game and always cheering on his Wildcats with enthusiasm.
Richard was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margaret; his parents, Lillard (LW) and Nell Thompson; and his brothers James and Gene.
He is lovingly remembered by his son, Terry (Kelley) Thompson; daughter, Teresa (Noel) McElya; grandsons, Jeremy Spencer and Brandon (Ruth) Spencer; great-grandchildren, Cooper, Emmalin, and Alissa Spencer; brother, Gerald Thompson; sister, Judy Davis; and several nieces and nephews. Richard’s legacy lives on through his family and all those whose lives he touched through his work, service, and friendship. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 1 PM, following a visitation from 11 AM to 1 PM at Keeling & Goodman Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Hardmoney Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the Book for Hope, 22 Barrington Circle, Paducah, KY 42003 or the American Cancer Society.
The family would like to thank those who cared for Richard during his final days at Ray & Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center and Mercy Lourdes Hospital. Keeling & Goodman Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Thompson family.
he built a career as an auto mechanic and became the owner and operator of RSS Automotive alongside his son, Terry. His work ethic and mechanical skills earned him respect throughout the community and among generations of loyal customers. Beyond his professional life, Richard was deeply involved in civic organizations. He was a long-time member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, where he served with distinction as secretary of Aerie #3135 and later as Kentucky State President. His leadership and commitment to fellowship left a lasting impact on those who served with him.
Richard was also the recipient of several honors that reflected both his community spirit and his unmistakable Kentucky pride. He was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel, recognized as a “Duke” of Paducah, and named an Honorary Member of the Kentucky Moonshiners – titles he accepted with humility and a sense of fun, and which brought him great joy to share with family and friends. A passionate fan of motorsports, Richard enjoyed watching NASCAR and attending local dirt track races. He was also an avid supporter of the University of Kentucky basketball, rarely missing a game and always cheering on his Wildcats with enthusiasm.
Richard was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margaret; his parents, Lillard (LW) and Nell Thompson; and his brothers James and Gene.
He is lovingly remembered by his son, Terry (Kelley) Thompson; daughter, Teresa (Noel) McElya; grandsons, Jeremy Spencer and Brandon (Ruth) Spencer; great-grandchildren, Cooper, Emmalin, and Alissa Spencer; brother, Gerald Thompson; sister, Judy Davis; and several nieces and nephews. Richard’s legacy lives on through his family and all those whose lives he touched through his work, service, and friendship. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 1 PM, following a visitation from 11 AM to 1 PM at Keeling & Goodman Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Hardmoney Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the Book for Hope, 22 Barrington Circle, Paducah, KY 42003 or the American Cancer Society.
The family would like to thank those who cared for Richard during his final days at Ray & Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center and Mercy Lourdes Hospital. Keeling & Goodman Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Thompson family.
