CHARLES NICHOLAS “NICK” THOMPSON passed away at home on March 30th, 2024, surrounded by his family.
He was 69. He practiced law for more than 40 years. Nick was kind, patient and selfless. He had many professional and personal achievements to be proud of. He was an exceptionally bright and talented businessman and allaround wonderful person.
Born in Memphis, Tenn., on December 16th, 1954 to Bill and Norma Thompson, Nick graduated from Marked Tree High School in 1973 where he was selected as one of Who’s Who Among American High School Students, Football All-District and he attended Boy’s State. Nick attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville from 1973-1977 and graduated with a Political Science degree. In 1980 he graduated from the University of Arkansas School of Law where he was President of the Student Bar Association.
After college, Nick practiced law with his brother Bill Thompson in Fort Smith, Ark. at the Thompson, Paddock, Llewellyn Law Firm. Nick then moved to Little Rock in 1981 where he went to work as Associate Counsel for the Arkansas Insurance Department.
In 1983 he married the love of his life Mary Smith from Fort Smith, Ark.
After working at the Arkansas Insurance Department, Nick joined the Hilburn, Bethune, Calhoun, Pruninski Law Firm where he and Sam Hilburn litigated the Baldwin United case which was the largest insurance bankruptcy case at the time. In 1986 Nick was invited to join Ivester, Henry, Skinner and Camp Law Firm as a partner. In 1989 Bill Woodyard, former Arkansas Insurance Commissioner and Chairman of the Insurance Section of the Mitchell Williams Law firm invited Nick to become a partner with Mitchell Williams. Nick practiced 20 years with Mitchell Williams before going in house with his largest client UnitedHealth Group as Senior Vice-President of Regulatory Affairs.
While at UnitedHealth Group, Nick significantly altered the trajectory of the National Organization of Life and Guaranty Association (NOLGA) for the better. His strength of conviction, honesty and leadership continues with NOLGA today because he set a new standard.
Nick was a member of First United Methodist Church, he served as Chairman of the Board of the Central Arkansas Red Cross, was Vice-Chairman of the National Association of State Comprehensive Health Insurance Pools and was Chairman of the Arkansas Tort Reform Association. Nick was a member of the Federation of Regulatory Counsel, Arkansas Society of Professional Lobbyists, member of Arkansas, Pulaski County, American and District of Columbia Bar Associations. He was Mitchell Williams designated partner for State Law Resources, Inc. Nick also served on the Board of Directors of the Mitchell William Law Firm.
Earlier in his life, Nick enjoyed camping, waterskiing and snow-skiing. Lake Ouachita would become the summer spot for him and his family where they watched many sunsets listening to Tony Bennet, Frank Sinatra, and classic rock. He also was an admirer of the arts, both photography and paintings. Some of his favorite photos from his travels were of beautiful landscapes and picturesque monuments. A World War II enthusiast, Nick liked to listen to Winston Churchill speeches, watch WWII movies and read many books related to the subject over the years. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends over a nice meal and bottle of wine. Nick always had a good story to tell at the dinner table.
Most importantly Nick was a loving husband, father, brother, and friend. As a husband he and Mary celebrated 40 years of marriage in 2023 and traveled extensively while also raising two wonderful children, Paige and C.J. In 2022, he added the title of Grandfather to his resume and ever since has lovingly been called Poppy by his granddaughter, Emma. Nick was a stable figure, mentor and role model to many.
Nick is survived by his wife Mary, his children Paige Skelton (Will), granddaughter Emma and son Charles Nicholas Thompson, Junior (C.J.) He is also survived by his brother Bill Thompson (Marianne), Mike Thompson (Pam), and sister, Nancy Herdlinger (David) and many many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Nick is predeceased by his parents, his brother Norman Patrick Thompson and sister Janet Pierce Thompson Berry.
A Visitation will be held this Friday, April 5th from 5 to 7 p.m. at Ruebel Funeral Home, 6313 W. Markham Street in Little Rock.
The Burial will take place Saturday, April 6th, 11 a.m. at Pinecrest Cemetery, 7401 AR-5 (west off Stagecoach Rd) Alexander, Ark.
A Celebration of Life will take place Saturday, April 6th at 2 p.m. in the Sanctuary at First United Methodist Church, 723 Center Street in downtown Little Rock followed by a reception in the Winston Faulkner Gym at the Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to First United Methodist Church, 723 Center St. Little Rock, Ark. 72201 or the Greater Arkansas American Red Cross, 2610 Shackleford Road, Suite B, Little Rock, Ark. 72205. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com.