Fred M Thompson Sr.

Fred Thompson Sr., who obtained his salvation, went home to Jesus on Friday, October 28th, 2011. The oldest son of seven children born to Milford and Garnet McGee Thompson, born on August 31st, 1941 in Morgantown, W. Virginia. The family relocated to Jacksonville, FL when Fred was 15, he attended local schools and obtained his GED in later life. He served in the Florida Air National Guard being proficient in the motor pool. Fred married Kathleen Ann Luciano in 1961 and they recently celebrated 50 years of married life. Two sons: Fred Jr. and Christopher Lee were born, whom he dearly loved. He was active with Chris in sports, ESP, Little League where he served as a manager for Chris team. Later on he built and raced his own stock car, but was primarily a pit crew chief for Chris at the old Jax Race Ways, where he made many friends, helping Chris on to victories. Being a private pilot himself, he encouraged Fred Jr’s desire to fly, which he continues to this day as a career. They both loved flying and talking about it constantly. To say he was proud of his sons would be an understatement! Whenever complimented on his “Boys” he would just beam! Fred stared his 1st career with the air lines with Southern, which later became National, as a cleaner. With National and Pan Am he was a ticket agent at the old Imeson and later J.I.A. He enjoyed a long membership in the National Aires Club. Leaving Pan Am, he was employed at Anheuser Busch in Jax and retired from there in 1999. In the meantime he started his own business Thompson Towing, working until he became ill. He was known for his work ethic and never complaining. If Fred saw a need, he would quietly fill that need. In later years he took up golf and enjoyed it immensely – His golf days of Tuesday and Friday were special to him. He leaves to mourn him, his wife Kathy, sons Fred Jr, Chris (Shawn) and grandchildren, Fred III (Melanie), Jessica Cordova (Michael), Tyler Lee Thompson, (to whom he was “Poppy”) and 3 step grandchildren-Justin, River and Summers. He also leaves his mother-in-law: Loretta Luciano, brother-in-law, Frank Luciano (Helen). Devoted sister and brother are: Jackie Rosier (Ray), Jane Bennett (Bobby) Kenna Castleberry (Marvin), John Thompson (Connie), Bruce Thompson Sr. (Brenda), Buggy Riner (Woody) and numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends. Pallbearers: Fred Thompson Jr., Chris Thompson, Fred Thompson III, Bruce Thompson Sr., Andy Shaw and Brian Smith. Honorary Pallbearers: John Thompson, Tyler Thompson, Frank Luciano, Sam Johnson, Don Alexander and Dale Zetmeir. Our thanks to B.M.C. downtown T6A to Fred’s night nurses: Amy and Denise. To Kristin Lapinski, N.E. Community Hospice for the compassionate care and expertise. To Dr. A. Marks and Dr. Q Toledo, we are grateful for your care. Rest in peace Fred-we will all meet again in Heaven. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 1st, 2011 in the Chapel of Hardage-Giddens Town and Country Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd with Reverend Ray Mayfield officiating. Interment will be at Riverside Memorial Park. The family will be receiving friends Monday, October 31st, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.