Tommy Thompson

Tommy Thompson, one of the longest-serving district attorneys general in the state of Tennessee, died Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, at the age of 78. Thompson held office for 44 years representing the 15th Judicial District, which includes Trousdale, Jackson, Macon, Smith, and Wilson counties. He retired from the role in 2021. A native of Hartsville, Thompson earned his law degree from Vanderbilt University in 1969 and served as a legal officer at Fort Bragg, N.C. for three years. He then began working as an assistant district attorney in Nashville, returning to Hartsville for two years to teach and practice law. He then joined the 5th District Attorney’s Office in 1975 and then joined the 15th after its creation the following year. He was appointed head of the district in 1977.