Ronnie Thompson

Ronald John "Ronnie" Thompson Sr. (July 21, 1934 – March 22, 2020), also known by "Machine Gun Ronnie" Thompson, was an American gospel singer, politician, musician, and mental health caseworker. During the 1960s, Thompson became a household name across Georgia and parts of the American South for his live gospel music television shows. He also recorded and released his own contemporary Christian and country music albums and singles. He became known for his unorthodox, often controversial, views and colorful, charismatic personality during his tenure as mayor, which spanned two terms from 1967 to 1975.

Biography Thompson was born in Augusta, Georgia, on July 21, 1934, to Remus Warren Thompson and Mattie Lou (nee Watkins). His family, who originally worked with the cotton mills, lived in poverty.

In 1961, Thompson ran for office for the first for a vacant seat on the Bibb County Commission, but lost the election. YearRepublicanVotes%DemocraticVotes%1972Ronnie Thompson42,98637.6% √ W. S. Stuckey Jr.71,28362.4%