George “Coach” Thompson
George Durham “Coach” Thompson, 86, of Beaumont, died Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Christus Southeast Texas-St. Elizabeth, Beaumont. He was born on October 12, 1939, to Opal Ponder Thompson and Omer Thaddeus “Buck” Thompson, in San Augustine. He was known and loved as husband, Dad, brother, uncle, Papa, teacher, mentor and “Coach T”. In 1963. George graduated from Stephen F. Austin, in Nacogdoches, Texas. He was a high school teacher and coach for forty-two years, spending most of his time at Beaumont High School and Stephen F. Austin in Port Acres. In 2012, he was inducted into the Southeast Texas Coaches Hall of Fame. An honor that he was extremely proud to have received.
Survivors include his wife, Francis Thompson; children, Vince Thompson and his husband, Marshall Newman and Dani Galiano; grandchildren, Bailey Arnold and her husband, Aaron and Kennedy Galiano; great-grandchildren, Redmond Durham Arnold; siblings, Dean Thompson and his wife, Barbara and Andy Thompson; beloved niece and caregiver, Vicky Thompson; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends throughout the years.
He is preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Frank Galiano, Jr.; and brother, Oscar Charles Thompson.
Memorial contributions may be made to an organization of one’s choice.
A gathering of Coach Thompson’s family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His cremation arrangements we handled through Broussard’s Crematorium.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
- 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- February 10, 2026
- 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Dearest Dannie,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember hearing Wendy talk about Coach Thompson and knowing your parents were so wonderful. I hope his life has been a beautiful example of how we all should live together. Still love you and miss you! Hugs, ( MS. Wing) 💕
I have great memories of being over the Thompson house. George was a pleasure to be around. A great man and coach. He will be missed by all.
I send condolences to the Thompson family. Coach Thompson was one of my favorite teachers at Beaumont High. May he rest in peace.
So sorry for your loss. He was one of my favorite teachers and I have good memories from his classes. Biology was the best! He was a kind, patient man. My prayers are with you all.
Great man. I learned a lot from Coach T. as a young coach at SFAHS in the early 90s.
The world is a better place because Coach T was in it! As a young coach, I always admired his passion and pride for his profession, and am so thankful for all the wisdom he passed along! My prayers go out to Francis and his family. I am honored to have had the opportunity to call coach T a friend!
Oh Francis I am so sorry. My first thought was remembering the times spent at your kitchen table reliving game times . We drank a lot of bottles furnished by your neighbors who I can’t remember but I think he was the athlete director. We were so young and never had any thought of losing someone we loved so much! George was the one that got me interested in raising plants. My house is now overtaken by plants and I think of him every time I water at least 100 in my house and porch ❤️🤣
The last time I saw Coach Thompson, I was just a young Sophomore at BHS in the 1970s, and he was in his 40s. Still, after seeing his photo here, I remember him well. No matter all these many years, his vibrant eyes and sweet smile speaks volumes of the man he always has been especially to those who knew him best. As a coach and teacher, he was so very friendly, passionate and knowledgeable about his subject—and I loved his teaching style. But, most importantly, he made us all feel important and valuable. He instilled in each student lessons we would carry far from High School and into the real world. I’m so sorry to learn of his passing. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. A bright light has left the world, but his influence and kindness still illuminates with those lives he touched and forever remember his kindness.
Dear Thompson Family,
My husband and I both attended Beaumont High. Coach Thompson was one of our favorites. He had a gentle and kind spirit, and was a wonderful teacher and coach. We are so sorry for your loss.
Scott and Pam Shelander
RIP Coach Thompson.
Coach taught me a lot about life. His quiet influence will never escape me. His kindness was incredible but so was his assertiveness and heartfelt responses to others. His rare blend of gentle wisdom and firm leadership would subtlety set you up to go, “Wow. I can appreciate that advice”. Gonna miss you coach.