U.S. Air Force Retired, Ted W. Thompson

United States Air Force Retired, Ted W. Thompson, age 54, of Calhoun departed this life Friday evening, May 2, 2014 at his home, surrounded by his loving family after a long and courageous fight with cancer. He was born in Gordon County on October 10, 1959, son of Jerry and Elaine Sims Thompson. He was a 1977 graduate of Red Bud High School. After attending Dalton College, Ted entered the US Air Force, enlisting in 1983 and retiring after 20 years of service. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, and all sports, in particular golf. He enjoyed spending time with his family, whom he loved dearly. He was a member of Maple Grove Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Silas and Dimple Thompson and Raymond and Winnie Sims. During Ted’s Air Force career, he received the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Metal, Air Force Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Achievement Medal with Three Oak Leak Clusters, AF Outstanding Unit Award, AF Organizational Excellence Award with Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal with Four Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, Humanitarian Service Medal with Bronze Star, AF Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, AF Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, AF Longevity Service Award Ribbon with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon with One Oak Leaf Cluster, and the AF Training Ribbon. Ted is survived by his loving wife, Carrie French Thompson, to whom he married December 27, 2008; his caring and loving parents, Jerry and Elaine Sims Thompson of Resaca; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jimmy and Ova Lee French of Red Bud; and several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and other relatives. A service to celebrate the life of Ted W. Thompson will be held Tuesday, May 6th at 2:00 PM from the Maple Grove Baptist Church, with Rev. Herman Parker and Rev. Eddie Brannon officiating, and Phil French conducting the graveside rites. Full military honors will be performed by the United States Air Force Honor Guard. It was Ted’s request that flowers be omitted. The family asked that contributions be made to the American Cancer Society’s “Hope Lodge”, 1104 Ireland Way, Birmingham, AL, 35205 in Ted’s memory. The family also would like to thank Harbin Clinic, UAB Hospital, Floyd Medical Center, Gordon County Hospital, Tapestry Hospice and “Care at Home” for their wonderful care. The family will receive friends Monday, May 5th between the hours of 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM at Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.maxbrannonandsons.com. The funeral services for Mr. Ted Willard Thompson are under the direction of Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home of Calhoun.

U.S. Air Force Retired, Ted W. Thompson

October 10, 1959 - May 2, 2014