Thompson Funeral Homes

11/10/2025

SAVE THE DATES!

11/10/2025

Rona Marguerite Gordon-Wood, 81 of West Columbia, Sc went to her eternal resting home on November 7, 2025, surrounded by her family.

She was born in Crowborough, England to the late Colonel John and Pamela Gordon. She was raised in a military family. She attended Uplands Preparatory School in Poole, Dorset England with her college years attending L-Allicance Francaise Klubschule Migros, following a year in Paris and another year in Switzerland before returning home. Upon her return she worked for the Continental Telephone company as a trilingual operator.

In 1964, she moved to the United States to explore opportunities. Here in the United States she managed the cafeteria at the University of South Carolina during the Frank McGuire era where she then later spent over 25 years in the finance business. She had a passion for tennis, ballroom dancing, ice skating, horseback riding, traveling and rescuing animals as well as taking care of the farm she had with her family. She will always be remembered for her lively spirit, abundant love towards mankind and animals, kindness and the generosity she extended to her family and community.

She was a member of Edmund First Baptist Church in Lexington, SC of which is where she gave her life to Christ on November 7, 2024.

She was preceded in death by both parents, brothers Edward (Minerva) Harrison of Ellesmere, England, the late Commander John Huntley Gordon of England, and her late husband Gordon “Bud” Wood. She is survived by her children Marc (Deena) Wintersteen of Myrtle Beach, SC; April (Larry) Conner of West Columbia; her grandchildren Nicole (Shorty) Garcia of St. Matthews, SC; Heather (Toby) Spires of Lexington, SC; Amanda Wintersteen of Lexington, SC; Alexis (Alli) Wintersteen-Chukusky of St. Matthews, SC; and Johnathan (Logan) Bailey of St. Matthews, SC. Followed by a host of nieces and nephews and 12 great grandchildren.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can also be made to PETS, Inc adoption center in West Columbia, SC or to Edmund First Baptist Church for the youth and future site of the Life Center. Funeral arrangements are to be announced at a later time and will be held at Edmund Baptist Church following a graveside service.

Explore Rona Gordon-Wood's digital memorial and tribute page. Contribute photos, recollections, or videos, extend your condolences, and assist in preserving their legacy.

11/03/2025

Sunday’s Lexington County Veterans Parade was absolutely fantastic! What a beautiful day to celebrate and honor our nation’s Veterans! We strive to fully honor family members and friends in our community who have made sacrifices to enable each of us to enjoy the freedoms we all share. Our Honor Coach is the only one of its kind in the Midlands, dedicated to those who serve in the military, law enforcement, fire services, or first responders.

10/29/2025

WOW! We can’t believe it’s been 20 years! What an honor to recognize and celebrate our community’s bravest at our Annual First Responders Appreciation Cookout. Thank you to all who attended and shared their time with us on Tuesday, October 28. We also congratulate the winners of our first annual Heroes of the Community Awards!

10/28/2025

CONGRATULATIONS to Fire Engineer BRENNAN LAFFODAY with the Columbia Fire Department, Station 22 - Lower Richland. He is the winner of the 65" smart TV raffled today at the 20th Annual 1st Responders Cookout!

10/28/2025

🚨 First Responders, please join us for our 20th Annual First Responders Cookout happening TODAY at 11am! We want to honor you!

First responders in attendance will be able to enter our paperless raffle to potentially win a 65” 4k Roku Smart TV! 📺

Please call Tonya Brazier at 803-776-1092 for further information. 📞

NEW for 2025! Heroes of the Community awards

Thompson Funeral Home is proud to announce a new annual recognition of individuals in our community who are working to keep the Midlands thriving and an incredible place to live. Heroes will be announced at the cookout. 🍔🌭



https://www.facebook.com/share/1F6xPDRJsA/

10/27/2025

1st RESPONDERS COOKOUT IS STILL ON! It's just going to be in the community room due to inclement weather. See you there!

10/27/2025

🚨 First Responders, please join us for our 20th Annual First Responders Cookout happening TOMORROW at 11am! We want to honor you!

First responders in attendance will be able to enter our paperless raffle to potentially win a 65” 4k Roku Smart TV! 📺

Please call Tonya Brazier at 803-776-1092 for further information. 📞

NEW for 2025! Heroes of the Community awards

Thompson Funeral Home is proud to announce a new annual recognition of individuals in our community who are working to keep the Midlands thriving and an incredible place to live. Heroes will be announced at the cookout. 🍔🌭



https://www.facebook.com/share/1F6xPDRJsA/

10/22/2025

What a great evening and honor to sponsor the CWC After Hours at Savage Craft Ale Works last night.

During the After Hours, a Resolution was presented to Tim James, our President and CEO, for his service to the City of Cayce from the SC House and Senate, presented by Rep. Micah Caskey and Sen. Russell Ott, respectively, and a special recognition and certificate from US Congressman Joe Wilson.

https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=greater%20cayce-west%20columbia%20chamber%20%26%20visitors%20program

10/14/2025

Watts, Algie Randolph "Randy," 80, of Hopkins, South Carolina, passed away on October 11, 2025.
Born in Columbia, Randy spent most of his life in the Midlands of South Carolina. He earned a degree in electrical engineering from the University of South Carolina. Randy was a dedicated employee of the Public Service Commission of South Carolina and the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff, retiring from State employment after more than 37 years.
Randy enjoyed metal detecting, working in the yard, traveling, playing tennis, Clemson football, and Elvis music. Known for his many repair projects, his sister often said, "Randy can fix anything." Randy was also known for his love of Zesto's fried chicken, Aunt Lois' pound cake, and French's yellow mustard. Having purchased French's yellow mustard "souvenirs" from locales around the world, Randy was affectionately called "Mr. Mustard" and "King Mustard."
Randy learned to play tennis late in life. He served as captain for numerous successful league tennis teams which qualified for statewide and regional tournaments. Some of his best times were spent with his tennis friends at Top Spin and with his championship combo-doubles teams.
Randy loved his large, extended family and looked forward to the family's annual July 4th and Thanksgiving get-togethers. He had fond memories of "Saturday night hamburgers" and summers spent swimming in the creek at his grandparents' home in the country.
In addition to his loving relationship with his own family, Randy was cherished by his wife's sisters, nieces and nephews, and cousins.
Randy will forever be remembered for his dry sense of humor, generosity, humble and gentle spirit, and kind, warm heart. He will be deeply missed.
Randy is survived by his beloved wife, Gayle Watts; daughters Kimberly Watts and Tammy Kingsbury (David; grandchildren Noah Wright and Gabrielle Wright; sister Carol Dee Watts (Mike Larrivee); many loving cousins; and his loyal companion, Winston. In addition to his parents, Ed and Minnie Watts, Randy was predeceased by his brother, Jerry.
Randy's family thanks Lexington Medical Center, Sedgewood Manor, and Three Oaks Hospice for their care and kindness during the last several days of Randy's life.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 1 at 5 p.m. at 5308 Old Leesburg Road, Hopkins, SC 29061.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice.