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Charles Lorenser Thompson Sr., affectionately known to many closest to him as “Sparrow,” 72, of Robersonville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on February 25, 2026, in Greenville, North Carolina. Charles was born on October 26, 1953, in Williamston, North Carolina, to the late James Thompson Sr. and Geneva Jones Roberson. He was a proud graduate of Robersonville High School and spent his life serving his community in many capacities. Over the years, he worked with Martin County Schools as both a custodian and a bus garage mechanic. He also served as a correctional officer at Bertie Correctional Institution. Later, driven by his passion for working with his hands and fixing vehicles, Charles operated his own mechanic shop in the town of Robersonville before moving the business to his home, where he continued doing what he loved. Charles was well known throughout the community for his strength, earning him the reputation of being a “muscle man.” He had a love for cars and owned anywhere from 15 to 20 over the years of his life. He was also willing to step in when guidance was needed and people jokingly referred to him as the “child corrector,”. Many often called on him to help steer their children in the right direction. While his methods could be firm with his infamous knuckle sandwich (that included verbal correction, knuckle press, and then encouragement to do better), he genuinely cared enough to see children do well and succeed in this life. Many who received those knuckle sandwiches later laughed with him about it, grateful for the lessons learned. As life went on, Charles came to know that his strength alone was not enough. He learned that life was better with God leading the way. On September 11th, 2016, Charles gave his life to Christ at Christ Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Robersonville NC. He later rededicated on January 11, 2026, at Upper Room Apostolic Ministry in Robersonville NC. Above all, Charles loved people and he loved a good time with the people he loved. His sense of humor was one of his greatest gifts, carrying him through life’s ups and downs and lifting the spirits of those around him. That same laughter, resilience, and strength live on in his children and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Family & Loved Ones Charles was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Harry Lee Thompson and James Thompson Jr.; his sisters, Ernestine Thompson (infant), Idonia Thompson Banks, and Gloria Lucas; and his great-grandson, Daelan Carter. Those left to cherish Charles’ memory are his loving and devoted wife of 34 years, Margaret Thompson of Robersonville, NC; his children, D’Jara Thompson of Greenville, NC, Almeco Thompson (Chauntreal) of Greenville, NC, Deborah Horne (Frank) of Tarboro, NC, Anica Higgs (Ronald) of Oak City, NC, Lavita Whitley of Greenville, NC, Marcus Exum of Greenville, NC, Charles Thompson Jr. (Avia) of Robersonville, NC, Dobbin Antwan Thompson of Greenbelt, Maryland, Travis Thompson of Greenville, NC, Jamaica Roberson of Greenville, NC, and Jamya Roberson of Greenville, NC; 26 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Bennie Jones Sr. (Bernice), William Paige, and Annie Knight (Frankie), all of Robersonville, NC, and Fannie Roberson (Jimmy) of High Point, NC; his special sister-in-law, Ruby Everett of Everetts, NC; a host of nieces and nephews, with special mention to Roxy Whitley of Robersonville, NC, Kenya Paige of Raleigh, NC, Ricky Stokes of Nashville, NC, and Calvin Brown of Washington, D.C.; and his best friends, Orlando Croom and Charles Goss, both of Robersonville, NC, and Clifton Crandell of Hampton, Georgia. Charles was a legend that will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His strength, humor, and the memories he created will forever live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

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Mr. Charles Lorenser Thompson

October 26, 1953 - February 25, 2026