John Edd Thompson

John Edd Thompson (June 25, 1942 – May 5, 2025) was an American meteorologist who was the chief meteorologist for WALA-TV in Mobile, Alabama. Thompson reported the weather for people on the central Gulf Coast since 1969. Thompson retired on June 5, 2009, to spend more time with family.

Life and career Thompson, a Mobile native earned his degrees in geosciences and communications from Mississippi State University and the University of Alabama respectively. While studying journalism at the University of Alabama, Thompson decided he would rather pursue interests in radio and gained experience at WNPT-FM in Tuscaloosa. Thompson would later gain more radio experience in WARF in Jasper, Alabama, WTUF in Georgia and WABB in Mobile. Thompson retired on June 5, 2009.

Awards and recognition Since the Press-Register introduced its Readers' Choice Awards in 2002, the final results always placed Thompson first. In the past the Mobile Press Club named him "Best Weather Anchor", but Thompson's biggest honor from these industry professionals came in September 2005 with the John Harris Achievement Award for his contributions to broadcasting over a long period of time.

Filmography Soultaker (News Anchor) In the Heat of the Night ("Bailiff" in episode "Unfinished Business") Bloodlines: Murder in the Family (Jail Guard) Felony (Reporter) He also made a cameo appearance in the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind, which was filmed in Mobile and surrounding areas.