Doc was born September 18, 1948 to his late parents, Robert Wayne Thompkins and Jessie England Thompkins in Jefferson City, Missouri. He fell asleep in death on Thursday, January 4, 2024.

He attended Jefferson City High School and Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO and went on to pursue a career in the Navy from 1968-1996.

He became a self-taught passionate wood worker and began working in various wood mill shops in the Durham area until his retirement in 2013.

He was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on August 8, 2008 and was very devoted to his service for Jehovah as a “sound attendant” for several years.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of 22 years, Carolyn Thompkins; one son, Adrian Thompkins (Monique) of Minneapolis, MN; two stepdaughters, Trishelle Dixon and Monica Dixon of Durham, NC; one sister, Jackie Martin (Buster) of Jefferson City, MO; his close cousin (which he called his sister), Carol Thompkins of Kansas City, KS; eight grandchildren, Jalen, Adasia, Ashyla, Justin, Aniyah, Austyn, Aaryn and Rhys.

Along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.