William Robert Thompson

William R. Thompson, 78, of Chattanooga, Tennessee died May 9, 2016 at his home. He was born October 23, 1937 in Durham, North Carolina to the late James E Thompson, Jr and Mary Elizabeth Hicks Thompson.

Coach as he was known and loved by many at Cleveland High School in Cleveland Tennessee began his career at Savannah High School in Savannah, Georgia. He coached football and track, taught physical education, health/wellness and was in charge of in school suspension for a number of years at Cleveland High School.

Coach graduated from Glynn Academy High School in Brunswick, Georgia in 1955.

In the fall of 1955 Coach earned a scholarship to play football at Wake Forest University for the Demon Deacon’s. Coach later transferred to Tennessee Wesleyan College in Athens Tennessee where he met his loving wife Mary Lou Summar.

Coach later earned another scholarship to play football for the University of Tennessee at Martin, where he played for 2 years and earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Secondary Education.

Coach Thompson, coached high school football and track and field for Savannah High School for 2 years; Groves High School, Savannah, Georgia, 2 years; Richmond Academy, Augusta, Georgia, 2 years; Sidney Lanier High School, Macon, Georgia, 2 years; Willingham High School, Macon, Georgia, 3 years; Chattanooga Central High School, 1 year; Lakeview Fort Oglethorpe High School as head coach for 2 years; Cleveland High School, Cleveland, Tennessee for 31 years. His career in education spanned 46 years.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Lou Thompson; children, Robert William Thompson, Terinda Kim (Joe) Depew, Tammie Kay (Steve) Smith, Brian Kenyon Thompson; grandchildren,Ashley Elizabeth (Brian) Smedley, Emily Elizabeth Thompson, Campbell Mae Thompson, William Brooks Thompson; great grandchildren, Abbey Elizabeth Brewton, Conner Matthew Smedley and Elizabeth Reese Smedley; brothers, Lt. Gen. James E. (Patti) Thompson and Nathaniel S. (Linda) Thompson. ; loving pet “Baby Dog”;

Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 12 at 3:00 pm at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home from 5-8 Wednesday and from 1-3 Thursday.

The family would like to thank Lifecare of Collegedale for all their care and concern.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in William R. Thompson’s name to Pat Summit Alzheimer’s Foundation or to Hospice of Chattanooga.

Please share your thoughts and memories atwww.chattanooganorthchapel.com.