Charles Matthew Thompson

Charles Matthew (Gravy) Thompson

66, of Princeton, WV, passed away on April 29, 2026, at WVU/PCH, following a hard-fought battle with illness.

Born May 9, 1959, in Asheville, North Carolina, Matt was the son of Phil and Gwendolyn Thompson. He graduated from Montcalm High School in 1977. After high school, he held various jobs and pursued his passion for music before retiring as a proud employee of N&S Railroad.

Matt was a man of simple joys and deep passions, finding happiness in the quiet, meaningful moments of life. His playful nature often shone through as he offered political advice with a laugh. Every morning, you could find him drinking his coffee and reading about politics on his laptop, a familiar sight that will be missed.

He had a hearty appreciation for good food. He could never resist sneaking bites of breakfast from his wife while she was still cooking.

Matt had a profound love for reading and writing, and he was proud every time one of the kids earned a good grade.

He loved playing his guitar, always ready to pick and grin while strumming his favorite tunes. Many times, he would figure out chords for songs by ear for Leauna when they weren’t available online. Music sessions with loved ones were a highlight of his life, where he shared laughs and melodies. There were countless moments when our family, including Matt, would sit around and share laughter so deep that tears flowed freely. If you were fortunate enough to share one of those moments with him, you know there was truly no one like him—able to laugh and cry at the same time.

A cherished inside joke between Bethy and Matt was that she called him "the golden one" because their mother thought he was perfect, while he affectionately called her "#3." Ashley, Bethy's daughter, would call him “MeMatt” when she was little, unable to say “Matt.” To this day, he lovingly called her “MeAshley.”

Matt adored his family and truly cherished the time spent on cabin and fishing trips, surrounded by the people he loved most. Every time Leauna caught a fish, no matter how big or small, Matt’s excitement was palpable. He would then cheerfully uplift Gage, despite his struggles to catch anything.

He was always attuned to the weather as if it were a part of his daily routine. You could often find him sitting outside, discussing life's intricacies or listening as he shared his expertise on building the perfect campfire. Matt had a unique habit of watching the kids through the bathroom window, keeping a watchful eye on their antics. He took delight in cutting up apples for his grandkids to feed to the cattle, the donkey he affectionately called “Holly,” and the horse.

For over 40 years, Matt reminded everyone, starting with his first son Wade, that “you’re a vehicle on the road.” He often had to advise Leauna to slow down around curves rather than speed up! He was part of every playful BB-gun battle among the kids in the woods, embracing the joy of those moments. He took Wade on his first turkey hunting trip and loved to swing the kids around in the back of the truck, fully aware it might raise eyebrows if seen by the public.

He immersed himself in his beloved Star Trek game alongside his son. He enjoyed gaming with his kids, spending countless nights playing split-screen PlayStation games. Matt took pleasure in unwinding with a good western. His enjoyment of scary movies was unmatched; he would laugh until he cried at the kids' reactions, turning every scare into a cherished memory.

These memories—small rituals, shared laughs, and everyday kindnesses—are what made Matt who he was and what we will hold most dear.

Matt was preceded in death by his mother, Gwendolyn Irene (Hall) Thompson; his father, Charles Phillip (Phil) Thompson; his sister, Cora Yvette; and his nephew, Charles Derek Gilliand; brother-in-law, John David Wright; and more.

He is survived by his loving family, including:

Wife: Melva (Wright) Thompson

Children: Audra Nichole, Wade Thompson and wife Heather, Matthew Thompson, Kalla Farmer and long-time partner Tommy Bowden — Foster Son: Sean Wilson

Grandchildren: Taryn Farmer, Trinity Farmer and partner Dakota Christian, Leauna and husband Brinnon Morris, Gage Thompson and partner Laken Harvey, Miaha Thompson, Summer and husband David Goad, Faith and husband Sirus Beck, Skyler Thompson, Gabriel Ball and wife Chloe, Emmanuel Ball and wife Caleigh, Joel Ball, Abbagaille (Sunshine) McKinney

Great-Grandchildren: Talia Farmer (aka Smiley Baby), (Unborn) Calliope Christian, Evelyn and Lucas Goad, Taya and Silas Ball

Siblings: Brother Kevin (Bo) Thompson and wife Leann, Sister Elizabeth (Beth) and husband Michael Eden — Sister-in-law: Kimberly Wright

Additional Family: 7 Nieces & Nephews, 7 Great Nieces & Nephews, and many more loved ones

The family intends to hold an intimate celebration of life, followed by a private graveside service at a later date. In accordance with his wishes, Matt will be laid to rest at the feet of his mother.