Judy Harlin (Thompson) McCully

Judy Harlin Thompson McCully, 81, of Amarillo, passed peacefully and comfortably in her home on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 10, at 2:00 pm in the Chapel at Schooler Funeral Home located at 4100 S. Georgia in Amarillo. Pastor Chris Condit of Hillside Christian Church will officiate.

Judy was born in Memphis, TX, on May 13, 1943, to George McClellan Thompson, Jr. and Nonalie Spear Thompson. The family soon moved to Clarendon to expand Thompson Brothers Hardware and she remained a resident of Clarendon until 2001. She graduated from Clarendon High School, earning the academic honor of Salutatorian of the Class of 1961. During her high school years, Judy was a bright and energetic student who excelled academically while enthusiastically participating in various extracurricular activities, including serving as Drum Major for the High School Band. Her energy and passion for learning left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Judy was a devoted mother to her two children, Karen and Michael. She took great joy in supporting their passions and could always be found cheering from the sidelines at games, applauding at piano recitals, or participating in 4H activities with her beloved dogs. Judy's unwavering dedication to her children's growth and happiness was evident in everything she did.

She was very involved with the Donley County 4H Dog Program as well as the AKC dog show circuit while simultaneously raising championship Dobermans and German Shepherds in her home-based Kavalier Kennels, a business dedicated to the breeding, raising, and showcasing of championship-quality dogs as well as pets. 

With her infectious enthusiasm for games, she was a constant presence at family game nights, where her laughter and competitive spirit turned every gathering into a lively and unforgettable evening of cards, board games, or other crazy games someone wanted to try. She always won.

She also made the BEST fried chicken in the world. (Yes, the whole entire world!) She said the secret was the 200-year-old fork she used to turn the chicken.

She always dreamed of earning a college degree but was busy with life. After raising two children, she returned to academia at the age of 44. As she progressed through her studies, she felt a growing sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that she was setting an example and proving that it's never too late to chase your dreams.

Judy received an Associate Degree in Art from Clarendon College in 1989, a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology/Social Work from West Texas State University in 1991, and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Oklahoma in 1995. Attending OU made her a die-hard OU fan of all sports, from football to women’s softball. The OU Shrine in her dining room is a testament to her dedication, and she even searched high and low for a Cadillac with the color scheme of Crimson and Cream. She actually found one.

Judy was a dedicated social worker specializing in veterans' affairs with both compassion and expertise. Her deep empathy and understanding stemmed from her commitment to honoring the sacrifices of those who served, and she ensured they received the respect, care, and support they deserved as they transitioned to civilian life.

To honor her service and those who served in the military, the family requests that donations in memory of her be given to The Wounded Warrior Project or Tunnels to Towers, both of which are charities dedicated to improving the lives of veterans to whom she dedicated her career.

https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

Tunnels to Towers

She is preceded in death by her parents, George McClellan Thompson, Jr., and Nonalie Spear Thompson, her brother, George McClellan Thompson III, and her sister, Laura Ann Thompson Hommel.

She is survived by her children, Karen Kotara Kwiatkowski, husband Mike of Las Colinas, and Michael Moore and wife Scheli of Canyon; two grandchildren, Lauren Moore Ward and husband Seth of Canyon and Hayden Moore of Canyon; and her sister, Betty LaGrone of Amarillo. She also has one great-grandchild, Holden James Ward.