At age 82, Harold Thompson is ready to give retirement a try. (Photo by Mark Bivens available on MDR website)

By Mark Bivens

Harold Thompson says the sons of attorneys become attorneys. The sons of doctors become doctors. Using that formula, it was no wonder Thompson spent most of his adult life in the ministry. His father, John Thompson, was a minister in this area for several churches.

Thompson, 82, is retiring this week from Teeter Chevrolet after 18 years at the business as customer accounts manager.

Thompson said he didn’t miss many days in his position at Teeter’s but said he was “part-time” at that job.

Thompson had retired as the pastor of The First Assembly of God in Hot Springs in 1990, where he had served 17 years. Prior to that he served at an Assembly of God Church he had “pioneered and pastored” for almost 16 years. Thompson has pastored at churches in Sheridan and the El Dorado/Hampton area, with a total of 36 years in the ministry.

Prior to his work in churches, Thompson spent eight years in the life insurance business in the Camden/Pine Bluff area. He served in the Navy from 1944-46.

Born in Hector, he moved to Malvern when he was three months old.

Thompson admits times are not good economically, but he’s seen it all before.

“When I was a kid, the family had it pretty tough,” Thompson said. “We did without a lot of things. People were just like we were. They didn’t have a lot of things either.”

Thompson expects better times are just around the corner.

“I would think we’re gonna have a couple of lean years,” Thompson said.

Having worked basically his entire life, Thompson said retirement will be a major adjustment. He and his wife, Merle, have three children: two sons and a daughter. His son Ron lives in Fort Smith and his son, Todd, is a high school football coach in Louisiana. His daughter, Beverly Davis, lives in Lucedale, Miss.

There are a total of six grandchildren. That will consume much of Thompson’s free time, traveling from Fort Smith to Louisiana to Mississippi.

“I’m gonna’ visit,” Thompson said with a laugh. “That’s about it. We’ll travel and enjoy visiting.”

Thompson has been suffering back pains and is slated for surgery.

“I’ve been making myself go using a walker,” Thompson said.

Thompson said the most rewarding work at Teeter’s is being around people.

“I like meeting new people and working with people,” Thompson said.

Thompson might even have time to wet a line after retirement. As a young man he worked at a bait and tackle shop in DeValls Bluff.

“I liked fishing when I could go,” Thompson said, calling Lake Hamilton his favorite fishing location. “I haven’t been fishing in a long time. She (wife, Merle) likes to shop.”

Looking back on 82 years, Hamilton had one thought in hindsight. “I wouldn’t change anything,” Thompson said.