Ricky Dale Thompson

Ricky Dale Thompson, 63, of McDonald, passed away Sunday, October 18, 2009 at his residence. He was of the Baptist faith. He was a career soldier in the United States Army where he retired as Sergeant First Class. He served in Vietnam, Desert Storm and Kuwait. He received the Bronze Star. He served with the Special Forces and the 101st Airborne. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #945. He was preceded in death by his parents, Meredith Thompson and Verna Boggs Thompson. He is survived by his wife, Karen Ras Thompson of McDonald; children, Jeffery Thompson of Cleveland and Christie Meredith Speed of Phoenix City, AL; stepchildren, Travis Ras of Apison and Tamara Kennedy of Ooltewah; 6 grandchildren; and siblings, William Thompson of Hixson, Jack Thompson of Middletown, OH, Luke Thompson of Honolulu, HI, Betty June Tackitt of Tucson, AZ and Della Green of Jefferson, WI. Graveside services will be held on Friday, October 23, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. at Chattanooga National Cemetery with a military chaplain officiating. The service will conclude with military honors. The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 22, 2009 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Ralph Buckner Funeral Home.