Born into a family of educators, Thompson began his training in the Nashville, TN public schools. He received a B.S. from Fisk University in 1967. A year later he finished his M.A. at Tennessee State University. In 1980, he was awarded his PhD from Louisiana State University.

His work resume’ includes stops at Southern University (1968-70), Dillard University (1970-75) and Tuskegee University (1975-88). In 1979, he was named SIAC Basketball Coach of the Year after leading Tuskegee University to the SIAC championship. His Tuskegee teams won two other titles (1980 & 1983).

In 1988, he left the education arena and started Charlie Tee’s. In 1994, his business expanded to include the Great Tuskegee Trading Company. He served as president of the Tuskegee Area Chamber of Commerce from 2005-2010. He is currently a member of the Chamber board. He also serves on the Main Street Foundation board and the Farmers Market board.