Smithfield, N.C. — A memorial service will be held Sunday for Sam Thompson Jr., a professional jockey who grew up in Johnston County.
Thompson, 36, died Dec. 25, five days after a quarter horse threw him following a race at California's Los Alamitos Race Course.
The service will be held at 2 p.m. at Stevens Chapel Church in Smithfield.
Thompson grew up in Smithfield on a family farm off Stevens Chapel Road, where he fell in love with horses and, along with his brother, taught himself to ride.
Service to be held for Johnston County jockey
RELATED TOPICS: Johnston County
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