Jerry "Sugar Bear" Thompson

Funeral services for Mr. Jerry “Sugar Bear” Thompson will begin at 5:00 PM Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in the chapel of Robert Barham Family Funeral Home with Reverend Mike Boles officiating. Interment will be held at a later date. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Mr. Thompson, 78, of Meridian, died Monday, July 14, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family following a brief battle with cancer.

Sugar Bear was a man of many talents and jack of all trades- a true entrepreneur. He had many ventures including working as an elevator mechanic, as well as owning and operating his own bar,  furniture store, and, most recently, the famous, Sugar Bear’s Deer Processing, just to name a few. He was an avid outdoorsman; he enjoyed hunting and fishing in any season of the year and especially liked staying in the woods all day.  He was a faithful member of Evangel Temple Church and enjoyed sharing about the Lord. Never meeting a stranger, Sugar Bear enjoyed his gift of gab and being able to light up the room with his smile and laughter. His favorite title was “Pawpaw” and most of all enjoyed being with his children, grandchildren, family, and friends.

He is survived by his daughters, Taletha Swearingen (Scott), Tammara Rigby (Brett), Audrey Otto (David), Emily Duell (Barry), and Katlyn Dawe; grandchildren, Karli Watkins (John Michael), Bailey Gibson (Cade), Walker Swearingen, Eli Swearingen, Loren Robinson (Jordan), Brandon Kennedy (Emilee), Kristen Robbins (Austin), Henry Otto, Peter Otto, Abigail Duell, Aliyah Duell, Elan Duell, and Remy Kate Dawe; great-grandchildren, Easton Robinson, Piper Robinson, Jake Robinson, Magnolia Mae Kennedy, Ruby Kennedy, Rosalee Kennedy, Sophia Scott Gibson, and Baby Robbins on the way; his sister, Janice Cross; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Sugar Bear is preceded in death by his wife, Donna Creekmore Thompson; his son, Jeremy Thompson; and his parents, Lester and Mildred  Thompson.

The Thompson Family suggests memorials be made as donations to Evangel Temple Church in lieu of flowers.

Family and friends are encouraged to express online condolences at robertbarhamffh.com.

The Thompson Family will receive guests from 3:00 PM until 4:45 PM prior to funeral rites in the chapel.