About Us

The caring and experienced professionals at Sanders-Thompson are here to support you through this difficult time. We offer a range of personalized services to suit your family’s wishes and requirements. You can count on us to help you plan a personal, lasting tribute to your loved one. And we’ll carefully guide you through the many decisions that must be made during this challenging time.

You are welcome to call us at any time of the day, any day of the week, for immediate assistance. Or, visit our funeral home in person at your convenience. We also provide a wealth of information here on our web site so you can learn more from the privacy of your own home.

Thompson's Mortuary was founded on a dream that, with hard work and dedication, became a reality for the Thompson family and for the Community in and around Clinton, SC. Benjamin L. Thompson's dream was to become an "Undertaker." While still serving his country during World War II, he applied for admission and was accepted at the New England Institute of Anatomy (NEIA) in Boston, Massachusetts. In November, 1945, upon his return from overseas and after his discharge from the Army, he entered NEIA. His military experiences had reinforced his self-discipline, and Mr. Thompson applied himself completely to the task at hand. After completing the course, he returned to South Carolina and served two years of required apprenticeship with Leevy's Funeral Home in Columbia, SC. After passing the State Board of Funeral Service examination and receiving his State License, Mr. Thompson returned to Clinton and purchased his father's family home at 235 South Bell Street, where he established Thompson's Mortuary in 1949, solely owned and operated by Emma M. and Benjamin L. Thompson. In 1955, the building underwent some renovation, with a chapel, public restroom and outside storage house being added. But over the years the needs of the community increased and it became apparent that the old building was no longer adequate for the services expected. With courage and vision, the owners planned a new Mortuary to be built on a vacant lot beside the old home. They, along with their five children, felt that bereaved families and their friends needed more room, and the additional privacy it afforded. They also knew that community functions based in the funeral home had expanded beyond the capacity of the old building. So in 1978, they began construction of a new building, which was completed in 1979. The new Mortuary contained 5,157 square feet and housed a large chapel with seating for 175, a smaller chapel for more intimate services, multipurpose rooms which served as community meeting places as well as parlors for family visitation nights, two offices, a selection room which can display 25 caskets, private and public restrooms, a staff lounge; a completely equipped and modern preparation room and a three-phase heating and cooling system. In 1985, Mr. Thompson's health began to fail, but the Thompson family looked back over 40 years and counted their blessings. The Thompsons’ thanked God for the health, strength and knowledge to raise and educate five children. Even as Mr. Thompson's health continued to deteriorate, they shared their faith and love with others during their hour of need and bereavement. By 1989, the family decided to sell the business and after careful consideration, the Mortuary was sold in September 1990 to Mr. Jesse O. Byrd Sanders, who was the sole owner until his untimely demise in April, 2016, since that time, Mr. Stanley E. Rice has become the new and present owner.

Mr. Rice was the embalmer and the assistant manager at Sanders-Thompson for 25 years before becoming the owner. He is committed to providing the same superior quality service to each family served. Stanley has been a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer for more than 27 years and was recognized as one of the top embalmers in the state. 

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others as faithful servants of God's grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10, "Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can,"---John Wesley.

Now go out and be a blessing to others remembering Judges 18:6, "Go in peace. Your journey has the LORD'S approval."

We feel blessed to carry on the legacy, tradition, memories, and high standards of those gone on before us, to continue to serve the community by being the ‘The Choice For Those Who Care’ and ‘Let The Final Touch Be A Gentle & Memorable One.’