Rodney Miles Thompson, 86 of Queenstown, MD and Naples, Florida and formerly from Gaithersburg, MD died peacefully Friday, January, 27, 2017 of complications from Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Mr. Thompson was the oldest son of Luther M. Thompson and B. Louise (Miles) Thompson of Gaithersburg, MD and was a lifelong resident of Montgomery County until he moved to the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

He is survived by his wife of twenty-two years, Janice Thompson, his daughter Susan Thompson Kuchta and a grandson, Michael Kuchta, both of Gaithersburg ,two brothers, Gilbert Thompson and his wife, Mary Lou of Gaithersburg and Allen Thompson and his wife Karen of Mt. Airy.

He was predeceased by a sister, Nancy Anderson and husband Bill of Raleigh, NC. He is also survived by many  nieces and  nephews  and their families.

Mr. Thompson first started in business in 1949 as the owner of Thompson's Market in Gaithersburg. In 1952 he served in the US Army as a chemical corps specialist and a radio operator during the Korean Conflict. After serving in the Army, he began to sell insurance part­ time for State Farm Insurance Company in the mid-fifties, eventually selling the grocery store and becoming a full-time agent. He worked for State Farm for forty-four years and won numerous distinguished sales awards and honors. He was one of the top-producing agents in the Eastern Seaboard region.  He retired in 1998.

Mr. Thompson was very active in local service organizations in Gaithersburg as the town grew and became a city. He served as President of the Lions Club, President and Board member of the Chamber of Commerce and was awarded the Business Leadership Award by the Chamber. He was a member of the Gaithersburg City Council. He served as Chairman of the Towne District Revitalization Committee. He was named "Outstanding Citizen of the Year in Gaithersburg". Rodney was chosen Ambassador of the City of Gaithersburg for his many civic contributions. He partnered with Habitat for Humanity on the Hurricane Relief Committee following Hurricane Andrew and worked with a chapter of Habitat for Humanity in Florida as well. He served as a Trustee and Advisory Board member for the Hospice Caring organization in Gaithersburg. Rodney was co-founder and Board member of Lincoln National Bank (now First Union Bank) in Gaithersburg.

In addition to his many civic accomplishments, Mr. Thompson was very instrumental in planning and raising funds for building a new Epworth United Methodist Church in its present location in Gaithersburg during the 1960's. He continued to be an active member and supporter of the church his entire life.

In his retirement years, he spent a lot of time on the Chesapeake Bay where he eventually lived fulltime. He was an avid sailor, duck hunter, golfer and gardener. He took great pride in the beautiful flowers he planted in his yard.   

The family will receive friends on Thursday evening February 2 from 6-9 pm at the Molesworth­ Williams Funeral Home, 26401 Ridge Road, Damascus, MD., and Friday, February 3, from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church, 9008 Rosemont Drive, Gaithersburg, MD. with funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will follow in Forest Oak Cemetery, Gaithersburg.

Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice Caring 518 Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg, Maryland. 20877, or to the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.molesworthwilliams.com