Charles A. “Chuck” Thompson, born August 8, 1934 passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on March 13, 2019. Chuck was born in Dallas, Texas, to J.C. and Frances Thompson. He attended Grand Prairie High School, where he was the editor of the school newspaper, “The Prairie Dog”. This began his love of journalism. He graduated from high school in 1951 and started his college education at Arlington State College. He then joined the ROTC and later continued his education at the University of Montana, graduating in 1955 with a degree in journalism.
It was during this time he married the love of his life, Judith Anne McNeff, and they began their 64-year journey.
In 1955, Chuck received his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army. During his regular army career, he served in the Strategic Air Command at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota and was an officer in the Redstone Rocket Program in West Germany during the Cold War. While stationed at Fort Hood, Texas he was deployed with the 1st Armored Division to Georgia during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He retired from active duty in 1963 holding the rank of Captain. During this time, the Army was drawing down its forces, and Chuck left active duty for law school at SMU, where he graduated 2nd in his class in 1966. He was Editor-in-Chief of the SMU School of Law review publication, Journal of Air Law and Commerce, 1965-66. He was appointed Assistant Dean of the SMU School of Law from 1966-69, where he initiated the process of computerizing administrative tasks such as scheduling of classes. Following his tenure, he practiced law as a civil litigation and tax attorney in Dallas and also earned his real estate broker’s license.
Chuck continued his military service in the Army National Guard from 1963 to 1973, where he achieved the rank of Lt. Colonel and served as Inspector General for the northern region of Texas. He then joined the Army Reserve, where he was promoted to the rank of Colonel, retiring in 1994.
For 42 years, Chuck was heavily involved in Dallas County REACT, a non-profit service organization that helps coordinate communication and emergency management during public events and disasters. He served in various leadership positions such as General Counsel, President, Chairman of the Board and Regional Director. Chuck was instrumental in raising funds for REACT, as well as The Lions’ Club and various other charities throughout Dallas.
Besides his family, one of the joys of his life was watching the Highland Park Scots football games. Since 1979, he only missed 2 games and was thrilled to see the Fighting Scots win the 2018 state championship this year.
Survived by his loving wife Judy Thompson, daughter Patricia Gibson, sons Robert (Gail), Richard (Teresa), Ronald and Edward, nine grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and his five brothers, James (Linda), John (Barbara), Robert (Teresa), Richard and Allen (Patty).
A funeral service will be held at Sparkman Funeral Home (1029 S. Greenville Ave. Richardson, Texas 75081) on Sunday, March 24, 2019. Visitation will be at 1:00pm. The service will begin at 2:00pm followed by a reception.
A military burial will take place at DFW National Cemetery (2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, Texas 75211) on Monday, March 25, 2019 at 1:15pm. Please plan to arrive at 1:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to REACT (http://www.dallasreact.org/) or the Wounded Warrior Project (https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org).
A special thank you to the staff of Seasons Hospice, who provided excellent comfort and care.
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