Born and raised in Mattoon, Greg Thompson graduated from Mattoon High School in 1972, Lake Land College in 1974, and Northwood Institute (now University) in Midland, Michigan in 1976. He met his wife, Gloria, at Northwood, and they were married in 1977. Greg and Gloria have two daughters, Beth and Lindsey, and one granddaughter, Hannah.

Greg joined his father after graduation from college in the family car dealership in 1976 and continued in car retailing until 2009 when he retired and became a Mattoon school bus driver. He retired from bus driving in 2022 but continues as a substitute driver to this day.

He joined First Presbyterian in 1968 and has served as a deacon, trustee, and elder. Greg has been part of the pastoral nominating committee, chaired the Christian Education Committee, and is currently serving on the Stewardship and Finance Committee.

Greg enjoys watching sports, playing some golf, and traveling. He and Gloria have traveled to all 50 states and have continued to explore Europe and various regions of the U.S.