Homer Thompson spent 35 years as a successful head football coach, compiling an outstanding 238-129-5 career mark. A 1951 graduate of Catawba College, Thompson coached two years at Oxford Orphanage, seven at Gray High School in Winston-Salem and then 26 years at Parkland, including 19 years at athletic director there. He also coached men's and women's basketball and track during his career. Winner of numerous Coach of the Year awards, Thompson was the North Carolina head coach in the 50th Shrine Bowl and also has coached in the East-West game. He has served on the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Coaches Association and the North Carolina High School Athletic Directors Association, and is past president of the coaches' organization. For 20 years the Parkland athletic director helped to organize and run the state wrestling championships, helping it to build to the point it is today. He has also been very active in civic and church activities, including over 35 years as a Sunday school teacher at Central Terrace United Methodist Church.