Donald Tompkins

Donald Wills Tompkins, 64, of Jefferson, died Sunday, August 10, 2008, at his residence.

He was born on February 16, 1944, in Jefferson, the son of the late Jimmy and Joan Wills Tompkins. He graduated from North Georgia College in 1966 with a degree in P.E. and history. He later received two masters degrees from the U.S. Sports Academy. He spent almost 40 years teaching P.E., history, health, and social studies and coaching football, basketball and track at various schools in Georgia and Idaho. While coaching football in Oakley, Idaho, his team won the Idaho State Championship and he was also nominated as the Idaho State Coach of the year two times. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Commerce and the Unity Masonic Lodge.

Survivors include his wife, Kathryn Clark Tompkins, Jefferson; daughters and sons-in-law, Megan and Cony Metcalf, Rowell, Jennifer and Jason Swaim, Dahlonega, and Emily Tompkins, Woodstock; sons and daughters-in-law, Clark and Rachel Tompkins, Euharlee, Greg and Kim Tompkins, Matthew and Rose Tompkins, all of Dahlonega; brothers and sister-in-law, Bennie and Ann Tompkins and Earl Tompkins, all of Jefferson; and seven grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Friday, August 15, at 11 a.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Commerce with Bishop Gaultney officiating. The body will lie in state from 10 to 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Perpetual Education Fund, c/o The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 4859 Mount Olive Rd., Commerce, Ga. 30529.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday, August 14, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.