Jerry "Bo" Lee Thompson

Jerry Lee "Bo" Thompson, 70, of Wilkinson passed away Wednesday May 10, 2017 at HealthSouth in Barboursville, WV.

     Bo was born at home in Holden, WV to Mary Thompson on February 19, 1947 and, as was common in those days, was raised by his aunt and uncle, Delsie and Orville Keathley.  For the first two decades of his life, Bo went by the name Bo Keathley before starting to use his legal name of Thompson as an adult. He spent most of his childhood in Mingo County in the areas of Red Jacket, Matewan and Bartley (McDowell County) before settling in Logan County as a teenager.  Along with his older brothers, Troy Harmon and Elmer Mullins, he was loved and spoiled by "Mom and Dad Keathley" who were his lifelong heroes.  He always loved going back to his old "stomping grounds" throughout southern WV and sharing stories from his glory days. 

Bo worked as a salesman mostly in the potato chip and snack food industry for 32 years which included work for Frito Lay, Moore's, Snyder's and Golden Flake Potato Chips. He had a great way with people and tended to collect friends throughout the years from his work throughout Mingo and Logan counties and, later, in Florida, where he lived for seven years in the mid-90s with his wife, Juanita, who worked for CSX.  He enjoyed the outdoors, four-wheeling, camping, river rafting and visiting the flea-market.  Bo was great with woodwork and maintained a wood shop throughout the years.  He loved riding ATVs with friends and grandchildren, often showing out-of-towners the ropes of the Hatfield & McCoy Trail systems and other off roads he'd learned throughout the years.

Bo was married to Juanita (Harris) Mileto on October 17, 1988 in a small ceremony at Jerry's Restaurant in Pikeville, KY.  After experiencing difficulty finding an official to perform the nuptials in Pike County, the couple, still unwed, ended the day with dinner at Jerry's.  Joking with the waitress about being dressed up and still unmarried, the couple was overhead by a man dining nearby who happened to be an ordained minister who offered to perform the nuptials then and there.  With waitresses as bridesmaids and dishwashers as best men, they were married in a most unique way.  After 29 years of marriage, he always referred to Juanita as his "little darlin."

Joining two families together, they shared children and grandchildren throughout the years including Bo's children – Bryan (Kristen) Thompson of Fayetteville, GA, Jerri Lee (Kevin) Compton of Ashland, KY and a step-daughter Jamie (Rick) Connard of Panama City Beach, FL and three grandchildren, Taylor Anne and Alex Thompson and Jeremy Browning; and, Juanita's children Joey (Leslie) Mileto, Lisa (Greg) Hughes and Mike (Jurea) Mileto and grandchildren (by age) Jennifer Mileto, Jodi Mileto, Auttumn Grimmett, SaVannah Miletto, Tyler Mileto, Haleigh Hughes, Hunter Mileto, Hannah Mileto and Lonnie Talbert.  Bo loved spending time with his family and planning special trips and times with them, whether riding "up on the mountain" or riding "over the mountain" to Red Jacket, Matewan or Gilbert.

In keeping with Bo's wishes, he was cremated and had given special instructions to the family regarding his remains. Bo will be remembered at a celebration of his life on Saturday, May 20, 2017 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Chief Logan State Park shelter #5 with friends and family invited to attend.  Guests are invited to bring pictures, favorite stories and covered dishes as we spend this time together remembering our beloved Bo.  He enjoyed many of the simple things in life, particularly when it came to foods – hot dogs and pizza were among them – so in honor we too will have a selection of some of Bo's simple favorites. 

Collins Funeral Home has overseen arrangements and messages may be left with them at (304) 946-2212 and in lieu of flowers donations can be sent to the funeral home at Po Box 307 Switzer, WV.,25647 or 5452 Jerry West Highway Switzer, WV 25647