Bruce Carrel Thompson

Bruce Carrel Thompson of Port Neches went to be with the Lord on October 19, 2019. He was born in 1926 in Marlow, Oklahoma and attended Bray High School and graduated from Central State College, Edmond, Oklahoma, with a Bachelor of Administration in Business.

In 1947, he married the love of his life, Alletta Thompson, and later moved to Houston, Texas. After working in supervision at another grocery chain, Bruce decided to pursue his lifelong dream of owning his own store. In 1962, he and Alletta purchased a store in Groves, Texas, naming it Bruce’s. He soon helped form a joint advertising group, which became known as Market Basket. He and Ed Hughes, continued the Market Basket brand by purchasing stores in Texas and Louisiana.   In 1983, he bought out his partner and life-long friend, Ed, to continue the operation of Market Basket as it currently operates.

Always the gentleman, Bruce managed his life and business with a genuine, simple life philosophy. He worshipped God and loved his Sweetheart, Alletta, for 70 years. He was a decisive and progressive leader, always leaning on the generous side. He served in the United States Navy from 1944-46. He was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church in Port Neches. After a major car accident at the age of 74, he rallied and worked to overcome his many injuries over the course of a year, returning to work for another 15 years. He was an innovator in grocery retailing, nurturing his 2000 employees, with respect and admiration.

He had a passion for the business and he loved having problems to solve. Bruce was a remarkable man. He was never limited by fear and didn’t recognize failure. He saw problems as opportunities. He had a rare ability to connect with employees, business associates and customers. He made everyone feel like they were special and left a lasting impression with them. He was driven with passion and energy in all areas of his life, whether it was the Church Finance Committee or serving on the PNG School Board or President of the Texas Retail Grocers Association.

An avid deer hunter and Cowboy fan, he loved ice cream and anything sweet.   Friends told him they could see why he was in the grocery business! He was extremely patient and kind, an entrepreneur, mathematician and the voice of reason amongst family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bruce C. Thompson and Lillie Winkler Thompson Holley; sister, Wanda Thompson Rohrbaugh, and wife, Alletta Rotroff Thompson.

Survivors include daughter, Caira Thompson Franz and husband, Mike; son, Skylar Thompson and wife, Angie; sister -in-law, Marlene Lee and husband, Gale.

Grandchildren, Macy Franz Hill and husband, James; Greg Franz, and wife, Ashley, David Thompson and wife, Loren; Meredith Franz Broussard and husband, Ryan; Heath Thompson and wife, Courtney; Clifton Franz, Neal Thompson, Elizabeth Thompson and Nicole Thompson,. Great-grandchildren, George Hill, Charlie Hill, Caylynn Franz, Carli Franz, Reese Broussard, Evie Broussard, and Layke Thompson.

A reception for friends and family will be held on Friday, October 25, 2019, at 5:00-6:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church Port Neches in the Fellowship Hall, 1826 Nall Street, Port Neches, Texas 77651.

The Memorial Service will be Saturday, October 26, 2019 at 2:00 p.m., at United Methodist Temple, Port Arthur, followed by a reception in Scott Hall, 4101 Hwy 73, Port Arthur, Texas 77642.

Memorial contributions may be directed to First United Methodist Church, PO BOX 277, Port Neches, TX 77651.

Arrangements are under the direction of Levingston Funeral Home Port Neches.

SportsPlus

Bridge City

Bobcats squeeze out win over Coldspring

Bridge City

Taryn it Up: Doiron, Bees Buzzing to High Standards

Bridge City

Kevin Bacon and brother, Michael, to perform at Lutcher Theater

Bridge City

Meals on Wheels new executive director unveils plan for community

Bridge City

Vidor family “feeling the love” from local business

Bridge City

Burn ban issued for Orange County

Bridge City

Debris in road led to fatal motorcycle crash, gofundme set up to help with expenses

Bridge City

Orange County Sheriff’s Office seeking help in finding missing woman

Bridge City

Cardinals capsize Pirates, 49-20

Bridge City

Vidor man named as worker killed at industrial site

Local

Orangefield Class of ’90 reconnects, reminisces

Little Cypress

Bears claw out victory over Vidor

Local

Introducing Orangefield Homecoming Queen 2024, Natalie Black

Local

Bobcats celebrate homecoming with a 59-0 win over the Hornets

High School Sports

Mustangs beat reigning Texas Southwest Prep state champions in thriller

High School Sports

Bobcats blast Saints in home victory, 28-7

Bridge City

K-Dan’s owner Luther Daniel “Danny” Brack remembered for determination, impact

Bridge City

First annual Hot Air Balloon Glo Festival attracts thousands

Bridge City

Arrest made in 2023 killing of Casie Graves

Bridge City

Alleged intoxicated driver overturns car into water off Bailey road, had 2 juveniles passengers

Bridge City

Bridge City hoists Bayou Bowl trophy after win vs. rival Orangefield

High School Sports

Bears beat Yellowjackets on early homecoming night

News Main

LC-M’s Floyd making an impact on and off the field

Bridge City

Bridge City and Orangefield Students of the Month honored