Edward Thompson III

December 20, 1949 ~ March 28, 2024

On Thursday, March 28, 2024, Dr. Edward Thompson III, passed away at 74 years of age. Dr. Thompson was born on December 20, 1949, in Tucson, Arizona to Dr. Floyd Thompson Sr. (the city of Tucson's first Black dentist) and Mrs. Nellie (Crawford) Thompson.
 

He was a graduate of the University of Arizona and Howard University. Dr. Thompson worked as a Professor of Political Science and later became an executive vice president and provost at several different colleges and universities across the country.

Dr. Thompson was father to Sergeant Brian D. Thompson, Dr. Letitia K. Thompson Dzirasa, Dr. Miriam E. Thompson, and Ms. Maryah E. Thompson, MSW. He instilled in his children the importance of ambition, achievement, and work ethic. 

Those who knew Dr. Thompson would describe him as formidable, cerebral, witty, ambitious, and analytical. He was dedicated to his career in higher education, was unrelenting in his pursuit of professional exceptionalism, and was committed to academic excellence. He enjoyed engaging others in scholarly discussions about politics, international affairs, and social issues.

Dr. Thompson was also passionate about reading books and newspapers and writing. In fact, during his retirement, he was a Special Contributor to the Arizona Daily Star, with his last contribution in January 2020. 

Dr. Thompson was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Floyd Thompson Sr., his mother, Nellie Thompson, and his brother Floyd Thompson. He is survived by his four children, Brian Thompson (Emma), Letitia Thompson Dzirasa (Delali), Miriam E. Thompson, and Maryah E. Thompson; his siblings, Jacqueline Douglas, Nellie Kathleen Thompson, James "Bo" Thompson, and Jeanne Herron Thompson; his grandchildren Dominic Williams-Dzirasa, Tyler B. Thompson, Elijah Thompson, Jaden Dzirasa, and Mishka M. Thompson, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

Public viewing:  Saturday, April 13, 2024, 12:30 pm–2:30 pm at 8728 Liberty Road, Randallstown, Maryland 21133