Donald West Thompson

Donald West Thompson, of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, died on August 8, 2026.

Don was born August 14, 1946, in Boston, Massachusetts, the son of the late Russell Emery Thompson and Laurie West Thompson. He grew up living at the old and new Citadel campuses and enjoyed his time at Rivers High School. He was a graduate of Wake Forest University and pursued graduate studies at the University of South Carolina with additional graduate work at the Citadel, the College of Charleston, and Clemson University.

A skilled craftsman, Don built a successful career as a sought-after residential and maritime carpenter in Charleston, Atlanta, and north Georgia. He treasured his over thirty-five years as a resident of Goat Island, living in his self-designed, self-constructed house with a cupola that provided a panoramic view of the surrounding creeks and marshes. Life on Goat Island and dealing with the occasional hurricane satisfied Don’s love of adventure and offered reminders of his time spent sailing in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea.

In 1984, Don decided to try his hand at teaching, joining the faculty at Stratford High School in Goose Creek. He retired from Stratford as a master teacher and head of the carpentry and construction program. To supplement his teaching income, Don worked for many years as a bartender on Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms, where he developed a devoted following due to his clever sense of humor and congenial personality. Despite the late nights and early mornings (and the occasional need to swim across the Intracoastal Waterway when his boat would not start), his bartending helped to sustain his storytelling talents and his keen knowledge of music.

Don also valued community advocacy and involvement. He was a community organizer for the Atlanta freeway revolts that successfully prevented the division of neighborhoods, he served as a founding board member of the BOND Community Federal Credit Union in Atlanta, and he was often referred to as the mayor of Goat Island, serving as president of the Goat Island Association of Neighbors for many years. Not shy about sharing his views on a bar stool or in print, he wrote letters to the editor, volunteered on campaigns of political candidates, and was a stalwart supporter of unions and building trades organizations.

Don is survived by his nephew, John Russell Barnwell (Sarah) and great-nephews Jack and Georgie of Takoma Park, Maryland, and by former wives and good friends Jay Hauck Thompson of Saint Simons, Georgia, and Becky Geiger of Brevard, North Carolina. He was predeceased by his sister, Nancy Thompson Barnwell (Elliott), and one nephew, Thompson Parker Barnwell.

Memorials may be made to the South Carolina Environmental Law Project, 407 Church Street Unit E, Georgetown, SC 29440, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of South Carolina, PO Box 1668 Columbia, South Carolina 29202, or to a charity of one's choice. The family will hold a memorial celebration at a later date.

Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel.