James Robert "Bob" Thompson

Born in Savannah, Georgia, Bob was the son of the late Ralph Everett Thompson and Elizabeth Reeves Thompson, and grew up at Thompson Pond in Vidalia, Georgia. He graduated from Vidalia High School in 1949, where he proudly served as president of the Future Farmers of America. His passion for agriculture led him to the University of Georgia, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Agriculture. During his time at UGA, Bob was a member of the AGHON Honor Society and served as president of the Saddle and Sirloin Club.

Following college, Bob honorably served his country for two years of active duty in the United States Army as a lieutenant on the General's Staff at Camp Irwin, California. He then began a 23-year career as retail manager for Kaiser Agricultural Chemicals in Claxton. He later joined the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Fort Stewart, where he remained until his retirement. Bob found great joy in hunting and fishing, passions that perfectly complemented both his career and his love of the outdoors.

Throughout his life, Bob was deeply involved in his community. He served as past president of the Claxton Lions Club and the Evans County Wildlife Club. He was a devoted family man, a loyal friend, and someone who believed in service to both his country and his community.

Above all else, Bob's life was anchored by his strong faith in the Lord. He was a devoted member, deacon, treasurer, trustee, teacher and Sunday school director of Shellman Bluff Baptist Church, which he dearly loved, and his Christian faith served as the foundation for the way he lived, loved his family, and served others.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gloria Louise Poppell Thompson, and his brother, Jule Thompson.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory two daughters, Sara Elizabeth "Beth" Thompson Harden and husband, Rick, of McIntosh County, and Susan Thompson Peterson of Albany, Georgia; two grandsons, Matt Hilton and wife, Marlie, of Vidalia, Georgia, and John Matthews of Tokyo, Japan; three great-grandchildren, Maggie Elizabeth Hilton, James Chesley Hilton, and John Daniel Hilton; as well as many beloved cousins, special friends, and extended family members. Also surviving Bob is Gloria’s family, including her sons Chris, Scott and their families.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. on Friday at Shellman Bluff Baptist Church. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Brad Butler officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Kevin Cook, Rick Harden, Matt Hilton, and the deacons of Shellman Bluff Baptist Church.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Hospice of the Golden Isles for the compassionate care and kindness shown to Bob during his final days.

Arrangements are entrusted to Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home.