Larry E. Thompkins

Larry Edward Thompkins, of Upper Marlboro, MD, passed away on Saturday, March 25, 2023, after a short battle with cancer. Larry was born on August 17, 1951, to Vivian and James Thompkins in Washington, DC. Larry graduated from McKinley Technology High School in 1970 and then went on to study Fine Arts at the illustrious Howard University (The Real HU). While at Howard, Larry was very active on campus. He was a member of the Howard University "Showtime" Marching Band, where he played the saxophone. Larry was a member of two fraternities, Phi Beta Sigma and The Zeta Iota chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity. He was also Howard University's Student Government president. During his time there, Larry received a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work at RCA records in the "Artist Promotions" department. He took a leap of faith, left Howard, and moved to New York City. While at RCA, Larry took many trips, always bringing back souvenirs for his cousins. Eventually, Larry realized that the record industry wasn't for him and decided to take his talents back to Washington, D.C. He re-enrolled at Howard, graduating with his Bachelor of Music degree in 1978. He was extremely passionate about his love for music! Larry loved sharing his knowledge of music with anyone who wanted to learn. Even though the saxophone was his true love, Larry also knew how to play the clarinet, piano, and electric and acoustic guitar. Larry's passion for the saxophone allowed him the opportunity to play with one of top local orchestras. Being a part of the orchestra allowed him to play backup for Glady's Knight and various other artists. Larry worked various sales jobs before his thirty-year career with the Federal Government. During this time, he worked at the Administration for Children and Families and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Procurement Operations. Larry held the title of Associate Director of Grants and Financial Assistance Division before retiring in 2013. In 1981, Larry met Vicky when Larry's friend Billy and Vicky's cousin Ella decided that the two should meet. After dating for eight years, Vicky and Larry wed in June 1988. Larry always said that his life changed for the better when he became a father to his two children, Christopher and Lakeisha. Larry took great pride in being a father. He spent years coaching Christopher's baseball team and Lakeisha's softball team. Larry enjoyed being on the field so much that he took on the responsibility of being a commissioner for the Kettering Largo Mitchellville Boys and Girls Club. He truly loved mentoring and coaching the youth. Larry was a family man, and those who knew him can attest that his infectious personality and willingness to always lend a listening ear made Larry the man he was! He gave the best advice, and his distinct laugh could be heard from a mile away! Larry was preceded in death by his mother, Vivian Thompkins, and father James Thompkins. He is survived by his wife Vicky Thompkins, son, Christopher Thompkins, daughter, Lakeisha Thompkins, sister, Betty Phillips, nephew, Brian Prince, a number of cousins who he thought of as his brothers and sisters, sister-in-law, Brenda Williams, nephew, Daryl Blow, great nephew, Brian Prince Junior and a great niece, Zoe Prince. Services will be held at St. Luke Baptist Church, where Larry was a dedicated member, on Friday, April 7, 2023. The wake will be held at 10am with the service immediately following. The burial will take place immediately after the service at Fort Lincoln Cemetery, Brentwood, MD.

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Larry E. Thompkins

August 17, 1951 - March 25, 2023