W.T. Shumake & Daughters

Douglas DuWayne Thompson "Thunder Thumbs", 58, transitioned on November 9, 2022.

Visitation Friday, November 18, 2022 11am - 1 pm at Burnett Baptist Church 6800 S. Hurstbourne Lane. Funeral to follow at 1pm. Burial Petersburg-Newburg Cemetery



Douglas DuWayne Thompson was born Friday, November 15, 1963 to Marjorie Bermena Thompson and Joseph Clarence Thompson in Louisville, Kentucky. He was the baby of six kids of 4 girls and 2 boys.



Educated in the Jefferson County Public School system, Douglas graduated from Southern High School. He also attended Jefferson Community College.

His Christian journey began at an early age and became a member of Virginia Ave Missionary Baptist Church. He played his bass guitar in the church ensemble every Sunday alongside .Louis Lipscomb, Minister of Music, Rev. Leon Graves- drummer, Jacques Smith- guitar, Alex Ratliff-, congas.

As a youth, his mother would fill the house with music as they did their chores. While most kids were playing games, Douglas made a guitar out of sticks and string until he got the real thing. Because he was tall for his age, he was playing in night clubs at the age of 12. When their set was over, he would have to go outside and wait till they started up again. He loved making music and also taught many how to play the guitar throughout his life. Music was his life or it would be correct in saying “his calling.” He never turned anyone down if they needed him to play a "gig" as he would say. He missed many family functions due to band practice or he had to play somewhere. Even going for his Dialysis treatments 3 times a week did not slow him down. He will be missed so much in the City of Louisville by his Musicians Family. They are all like one big loud crazy group! Douglas also played on bill with Jonathan Butler, James Brown, Kim Waters, Art Porter, Peter White, Luther Vandross, Peaches & Herb, Evelyn Champagne King, Marion Meadows, just to name a few. He recently traveled to Tampa, Florida to play with different artists.



Locally he recorded a gospel CD with the Louisville Connection and played on the Vic Frierson CD. “Thunder Thumbs”, as he was affectionately called, had been contacted to receive a musical tribute for his contribution to the world of music. However God had prepared a greater reward for him in Heaven.



Doug loved joking and kidding with his family but also with everyone he came in contact with. He was a kid at heart.



Doug never had a regular job because he didn't want it to interfere with any band function. When he did attend a family gathering you would catch him playing "air guitar" to the music...sometimes he would bring his bass and play along. Currently, Doug was playing with the Cato Music group at the Black Jockey’s Lounge on 4th Street.



He is preceded in death by both parents and his older sister Rolidia Jean Thompson. On Wednesday, November 9, 2022 Doug departed this life. He leaves to celebrate his life and cherish his memories; one son, Jordan Fritzgerald, sisters, Lutitia Patterson ( Juan), Vernitia Webb, Pamela Williams and one brother Clarence Thompson, many nieces and nephews.