Col. Robert Thompson, Jr.

Robert Thompson, Jr., (Col USAF Retired), 82, a resident of Cleveland, passed away Wednesday, February 17, 2016 in a Chattanooga hospice facility. 

He leaves behind his loving wife of 61 years, Martha Jo Thompson; his two daughters and one son: Pam Thompson of Fayetteville, NC, Catherine Rice (husband Carl) of El Paso TX and Brian Thompson of Tuscaloosa, AL; two grandchildren: Christina Grabe of Raeford, NC and SSG Nicholas Rice of Ft Knox, KY; two sisters: Mary Petrosky and Sheryl Toci (husband Jay), both from Watkinsville, GA and many nephews and nieces to cherish memories.

He was born on Sept 19, 1933 in Cartersville, GA, but lived his life in Oconee County GA. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 1954 with a BS Degree in Agricultural Engineering, was in AFROTC Arnold Air Society, a member of Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity and was honored with membership in the Order of Daedalians.

Col Thompson had a long and distinguished career in the Air Force, serving 26 years. While serving our country, he graduated from pilot training in Laredo, TX and Malden, MO and was assigned to SAC where he flew a KC97 in the Air Refueling Squadron. He graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology in 1965 with a Masters Degree in Industrial Engineering. During his USAF career he served in Vietnam where he flew 116 combat missions in EC47’s, serving 750 combat mission hours working as the Assistant Chief of Operations for the 406th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing. Col. Thompson was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, AF Commendation Medal and the Presidential Commendation Medal. He retired in 1980 after his final assignment as Professor of Air Science at the University of Alabama.

A Celebration of Life service will be held from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at Ralph Buckner Funeral Home.

Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, February 22, 2016 in Chattanooga National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Hospice of Chattanooga, P.O. Box 19269, Chattanooga, TN 37416 or at www.hospiceofchattanooga.org  in Mr. Thompson's honor.

The family invites you to send a message of condolence and view the Thompson family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.