Obituary of Terry D. Thompson

Terry Dean Thompson, 62, of Mt. Olive Township, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday October 14, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.  Born on September 29, 1962, to the late Edwin and Catherine (Higgins) Thompson, Terry resided in Mt. Olive for most of his life. He was the owner/operator of Fla-Net Park Campground and Classic Bodyworks, both of Mt. Olive.

You could often find Terry tearing up the snow on his snowmobiles as he jetted through the woods, leaving his mark on the once pristine trails. Terry had a need for speed and also loved jet-skiing, flying airplanes, and horseback riding. He might have shared a story about riding down to Dino’s on his horse Buckshot, because Buckshot wanted a slice of pizza!

He fearlessly took on the job of campground surveillance, regularly patrolling in his Gator with his adoring dogs in tow. Terry loved cars and trucks, especially his modified Pinto, his Model A pickup truck, and the latest addition to his automotive collection, his Ford F350. He spent quite a bit of time researching the newest upgrades for his truck and polishing his Model A.

Terry could fix anything, and he learned to operate heavy equipment as a young boy sitting on his dad’s lap. Despite a run-in with a road grader, Terry skillfully ran the equipment and kept the campground in tip-top shape. He shared his mechanical expertise with anyone in need and was never afraid of a little dirt and grease.

Terry loved his beautiful wife Carol, and they enjoyed traveling, attending concerts, and enjoying quiet evenings on the couch watching MASH and the Andy Griffith show. The dogs loved these times together and never missed an opportunity to dogpile their dad.

When a soul journeys to his final destination, relationships are often romanticized. Terry’s family will be the first to admit that Terry was stubborn and sometimes problematic, but all who knew him loved him – deeply and authentically - and that love was returned tenfold.

Terry was always the first to extend a hand when anyone needed help. His phone was constantly ringing, and he was quick to help, listen, or give advice. He was not one to make friends for a reason or a season. His friendships lasted a lifetime and meant the world to him. Terry’s time on Earth was much too brief but he taught all of us how to live the dash.

Survivors include his wife Carol (Biase), three children, Jaimie Meihaus (Shane), Taryn Thompson, and Travis Thompson (Alyssa), two grandchildren, Cole and Kennedy Meihaus, and three siblings, Edwin Thompson (Joan), Kathi Vogler (John), and Tawny Taylor (Ray). Terry is also survived by his loving dogs, Dusty, Sonny, and Cindy and his nieces and nephews. Terry was pre-deceased by many canine companions, and we know they were barking with joy as they helped him cross the Bridge.

Terry’s Life Celebration will include a memorial gathering on Saturday October 19, 2024, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Leber-Lakeside Funeral Home, 150 Landing Road, Landing, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Humane Society of the United States at www.humanesociety.org to honor Terry’s love for dogs.

The love he gave and the love he received is his greatest legacy, along with his children and his precious grandchildren.

If anyone earned their wings, it is you, Terry. We won’t say goodbye, just see you when we get there. Sending you off with love and keeping you alive in our memories.