Sammy Thompson

MACON - Charles Samuel "Sammy" Thompson, 72, passed away July 31, 2011, in his hometown of Macon. A visitation will be held at Hart's at the Cupola, on Thursday, August 4, 2011 from 5:30PM to 7:30PM. Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to AC Pup's Central Georgia C.A.R.E.S., 277 MLK Jr Blvd, Macon, GA 31201, or the donor's favorite charity.

Sammy graduated from Macon's Lanier High School in 1957 where he played on the football team. After high school, Sammy pursued his love of art and developed his considerable creative talents as a draftsman in the Navy during two tours of duty on board the USS Bennington and the USS Kearsarge. His creative inspiration led him to pursue a career in architecture.

A registered architect for over 40 years, Sammy started his career with Dennis & Dennis. His major influencers were John C. Dennis, Sr. and Algernon Sydney Brown. He formed his first partnership in 1975 and the firm continues today under its present name, BTBB Inc. An AIA member since 1974 and an original charter member of the Middle Georgia AIA Chapter, Sammy was a true student of architecture and history. He expressed his art and design influences through his work and masterfully balanced his propensity for historical restoration with his own creative flair and vision for new designs. Sammy's projects and creative talent have left an indelible visual imprint on the city of Macon and the entire Middle Georgia region.

Among his more notable projects are the downtown Macon restorations of 609 Cherry Street, where BTBB Inc. maintains offices, the Lawrence Mayer Florist on the corner of Mulberry and 2nd Street and the recently completed Macon Terminal Station. His original architectural designs extend throughout Middle Georgia and include the American Camellia Society in Fort Valley, public libraries in Columbus and Gray, and the county courthouses in Baldwin, Bibb, Coffee, Jeff Davis, Jones, Oconee and Twiggs counties.

Sammy's influence reaches beyond his more notable public projects. When not restoring or designing original buildings, you would find Sammy in his workshop building beautiful, timeless furniture and original pieces of art. He was an artist and craftsman comfortable working in many different mediums. His expertise and creative inspiration is best seen through the countless numbers of wooden, stained glass and copper art pieces found in numerous private collections throughout Macon and Central Georgia.

Raised in Macon and living most of his life here, Sammy Thompson was connected to his community - not only through his work, but through his boundless energy and extensive network of friendships. He had time and a friendly greeting for everyone, and everyone loved him. His daily presence in downtown Macon will be sorely missed. The family would like to extend thanks to the staff of the Medical Center of Central Georgia, especially the Transitional Care Unit.

Sammy was the son of the late Samuel Martin Thompson and the late Lola Iola Thompson. He was also predeceased by his sister, Jane Thompson Cassasa. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Freida; daughter and son-in-law, Nicole Thompson and Michael Salerno of New York City; niece, Karen Futch of Macon; and his cats, Miss Whiskers, Lil Mama, and Lil Bit.

Register online at www.hartsmort.com.

Hart's Mortuary and Crematory at the Cupola has charge of arrangements. Click here to view floral tributes.