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Fred Thompson
1942 - 2015
Fred Thompson
1942 - 2015
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1942
DIED
2015
Fred Thompson Obituary
The statement says he died in Nashville after a recurrence of lymphoma at 73.
Thompson, a lawyer, alternated between politics and acting much of his adult life. Once regarded as a rising star in the Senate, he retired from the seat when his term expired in January 2003, saying he didn't "have the heart" for another term.
He announced a bid for president in 2007 but dropped out in 2008 after faring poorly.
Thompson, 6-foot-6 with a booming voice and folksy demeanor, appeared in at least 20 motion pictures. His credits include "In the Line of Fire," ''The Hunt for Red October," and "Cape Fear."
Copyright © 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
197 Entries
cindy leahy
January 17, 2023
Great American would have made a remarkable President. Senator Thompson had true and classic American values and a wonderful moral compass.
george turner
April 22, 2018
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
george turner
April 22, 2018
fred Thompson was a good actor and will miss
June 5, 2017
He was a favorite actor of my Father's and mine. He made Law & order more than just a TV show.
How you can show support
Judith sexton
July 16, 2016
I met Mr.Thompson at Cracker Barrell and talked to him about being President and he said he was making a movie... The Secretariot I believe. I told him I didn't respect many men but he was one of them and he smiled really big and Thanked me. I saw him and his family again and then when working at the Radison his flight got canceled and he checked in the Hotel to wait. I am so sorry to hear a little late he has gone.
Ruthann
November 2, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of a great actor who has pass so suddenly. He will always be remembered in all the work that he did as an actor and parent. God Bless All of YOU.
Dan Tillmans
November 2, 2015
As an actor, he conveyed fervor, dedication to cause, strength and compassionate concern. I feel that as a man, he would be the same. I always felt that I could trust him. I truly wish that I had known the man.
Carol Cole
February 28, 2016
I like Fred and always thought he would make a great President. Everything he did he did well. I just now saw this article on his passing.. I have been wondering why he didn't try for president and now I see.
Am a little late but I am so sorry for your loss. I pray that God will help you through your grief. God Bless you and may he always be with you and yours.Amen.
Carol Cole, Athens, Pa.
February 16, 2016
February 16, 2016
Philip Tartaglia
February 5, 2016
Fred Thompson rip
Pjilip Tattaglia
February 5, 2016
Fred was great actor he will be missed God bless. From tartaglia family Baltimore maryland
Tom/Madonna Sparrow
December 4, 2015
Mr. Thompson was an amazing awesome human. He was great in politics and a fine actor.
My family and myself had hoped he would have made it to the White House.as he was s straight up honest down to earth human. You will be missed. Rest in peace and prayers are with your family.
Fred McCreay
November 21, 2015
He was great at everything he did. He would've been a great president and just what this country needs.
Eugene and Family
November 15, 2015
The constituents of Tennessee are especially saddened over the news of Senator Thompson's death. We all join you in your grief and look forward to the time when John 5:28 will be the highlight of our day. Simply loved Fred Thompson's character in "Law and Order!"
Joseph Carson
November 13, 2015
Dear Ms. Thompson,
I am saddened by your loss and wish to express my particular appreciation of Senator Thompson's championing the cause of Department of Energy sick workers - he played an essential role in the passage of the Energy Employees Occuptional Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 - and advocating for whistleblower Marie Ragghianti and other government agency whistleblowers, including me in the Department of Energy.
Leah G Levy
November 10, 2015
Dear Jeri and family,
I was devastated to hear of Fred's passing. It was a great honor to work on his presidential campaign and see a man so dedicated to work to change the direction of this country. He was truly a great American.
I will miss him deeply.
Aggie Goodacre
November 9, 2015
God bless and keep you. Aggie
Sue
November 7, 2015
RIP Mr. Thompson. You will be missed. Condolences to the whole family.
November 7, 2015
To the family of Fred Thompson please understand that your family is in my prayers. May the lord be with you in this difficult time.
Mrs Robert Gottlieb
November 7, 2015
A soul of great integrity and a true gentleman and patriot My late Husband and I so admired him through the years. We all have lost a great friend and role model. Deepest condolences to the Thompsons....
Robin McNutt
November 7, 2015
We will miss the gentleman from Tennessee. He was so loved and admired on and off the floor.
Barry Self
November 7, 2015
May God bless the Thompson family. Senator Thompson was a great Tennessean and a great American. He would have made a great President.
Janice Whitfill
November 6, 2015
I always love him in Law and Order and I've always believe he was a kind and gentle man Rest In Peace
November 6, 2015
Our deepest sympathies. Prayers to the family. Really liked Fred. RIP.
The Finn's ( New Jersey ).
November 6, 2015
Freddie;Thanks for your service to TN and our great country.Sincere condolences to your family. Mike(#63) and Margaret(Hendrix) Dooley;LCHS Class of 1961
November 6, 2015
To the family of Senator Fred Thompson: We loved him, we cherished him, and we will always remember him. Sincere condolences, David E. Whitney, Chicago, Illinois
Lisa Eastman
November 6, 2015
I cried when I read the news and I'm crying still. I loved this man so much. He was such a loyal American. A true Republican in every sense of the word. He will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace. From the years of watching him on the Silver Screen and the Small Screen, I feel like we are old friends.
Betty Richardson
November 6, 2015
Our deepest sympathy to the Thompson family. Senator Thompson was truly a great politician as well as actor. I was privileged to have met him at a speaking engagement in Nashville several years ago! He will be greatly missed! Prayers to the family.
Johnson Family
November 6, 2015
Condolences to the entire Thompson family. We loved and respected Fred Thompson--wishing so badly he had been our President.
Sherri Duncan
November 6, 2015
To the family of Fred Thompson: So very sorry for your loss he was a great man. This state as well as our country will miss him, not to mention in the movie theaters as well. He will be greatly missed here on earth but heaven has gained a wonderful angel. Love to you all.
Robert Henry
November 6, 2015
To the family of the Honorable Fred D. Thompson my sincere condolences. Senator Thompson was a man with outstanding leadership traits and upheld them. I would have been honor to vote for him as the next President of these United States of America. Thanks for all of his services to this nation.
Carol Simpson
November 5, 2015
Not surprised, reading the many condolences, at the positive effect Fred has had on so many lives. Me, too. He revived feelings of hope, pride, joy and respect that often come when being in the presence of a hero. Not perfect, but a mighty man. Godspeed, Fred Thompson, as you have left the pain to experience Eternal Joy.
Lorraine Tillett
November 5, 2015
Dear Thompsons:
I am praying for you all during this time of personal loss.
Fred Thompson was one of my favorites. My friend worked for Congressman Martin Lancaster(NC) at the time Fred was Senator I asked if he could see Fred for an autograph ! To my surprise I received a glassy picture of Fred 's red pick up truck in front of the Capitol! I cherish this and plan to display the photo next to other dignitaries my hall gallery at Timothy O. Tillett Bed and Breakfast
Proverbs 10:7 "The memory of the just (righteous) is blessed". May all your memories be special and bring joy to your broken hearts. "Memories are photographs taken by your hearts ready to recall at any time."
Lorraine Tillett Outer Banks NC
Tamara Trexler
November 5, 2015
Jeri,
Rewind back to 1995 when Tennessee was celebrating its Bicentennial. Working as an actress in Nashville, I had just earned my Screen Actors Guild card and decided to consider writing, producing and performing historical plays across the State of Tennessee in celebration of Tennessee's Bicentennial. I revealed my plans to my friend Congressman Marsha Blackburn (then Executive Director of Tennessee's Film, Entertainment and Music Commission) and she in turn, unknown to me, told Senator Fred Thompson. He had his chief of staff call and invite me to bring my troupe of actors to the Kennedy Center to perform. In bringing Michael Sloan's Bicentennial portrait to life (which I had helped with as a part of the McWherter administration), we launched our original show, Tennessee's Music and Heritage and took Davy Crockett, the Senator's hometown of Lawrenceburg's legend, W.C. Handy, Rachel and Andrew Jackson and Sergeant Alvin C. York's mother to the Kennedy Center. From that moment on, we were busy for two years performing our original shows across the State of Tennessee and Kentucky.
We again worked together later that year when the 1776 musical performed with the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, DC. Senator Thompson starred as John Hancock, his first live theatrical role, amongst his Congressional associates who portrayed the other historical characters.
Senator Thompson assisted me in the early days of my theatrical career by giving me a chance to be a part of history and do something great for our state and its citizens. I'll always remember his encouragement, his booming voice, and his steadfast dedication to helping another actor reach her goals.
Senator, you will be missed.
Tamara Trexler
SAG-AFTRA Convention Delegate
Dignity Memorial Public Relations Director and Pre-Planning Advisor
Lucille O'Keefe
November 5, 2015
"I have fought the good fight to the end; I have run the race to the finish; I have kept the faith." Thank you, Mr. Senator, for your service, your love of God and country and your example. May He grant us all the grace and courage to emulate you.
"Well done, good and faithful servant."
Dawn Ferrin
November 5, 2015
I'm sorry for the family and friends loss. Even though I did not know him I respected work in film. Condolences to all
Ellen Kiltau
November 5, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. He is absolutely one of my favorite actors and will be greatly missed.
Gloria O'Steen
November 5, 2015
Jeri and Family:
Like so many in this area, Fred was a steadying influence in the emerging Republican party in Tennessee. From Vanderbilt days to today, I always knew he would tell me the truth in a no-nonsense way. And those great hugs, huge smiles and "radio" voice--will miss them so much. Much love and sympathy from both Ray and me. Ruth and I shared birthdays--Freida joined us, too. Still miss them terribly. Praying for all of you.
EDUARDO PEREZ
November 5, 2015
TO MRS THOMPSON I LIKE TO SEE FRED ON LAW AND ORDER IT WAS A HPPY FRED ON TV. FRED WAS LIKE RONALD REAGAN ON TV ALWAY HAPPY
FROM EDUARDO PEREZ IN GOOD OLA
INDEPENDENCE, MO.
Nancy Mardin
November 4, 2015
I cried when I found out. What a powerful man.
Fred made this world a little brighter,
Jan Mills
November 4, 2015
appearing to be very much himself in whatever he did, acting or politics...much like Ronald Reagan....a kind man with a positive outlook on life & our country.
When I heard the news of his passing, it felt as though I had lost a good friend.
The world will not be the same without Fred's presence,
but heaven will be a little brighter.
Good-bye my friend.
God Bless his family members.
John Fields
November 4, 2015
Jeri, Hayden and Samuel....please accept my deepest sympathy and prayers for your family.
JAMES WEHRLE
November 4, 2015
Fred you were my favorite when you ran for president. I met you in my home town of Montezuma Iowa. may the lord be with you and your family
Peggy Hall
November 4, 2015
To THE THOMPSON FAMILY:
We loved Mr. Thompson so much we are very sad to see him go, but GOD. Loved him best.
Love. Always,
The. Hall. Family
Memphis, Tn.
Tom Wahl
November 4, 2015
Thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Thompson's family, friends and collegues. He was an extraordinary public servant, candid and a wonderful actor. We will long remember him and miss him.
jackie McCutcheon
November 4, 2015
Loved your acting and character. You will be missed by all !
November 4, 2015
My prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
November 4, 2015
So sorry for your loss,may God grant you peace...
marsha kosh
November 4, 2015
My deepest sympathy to the Thompson Family. You are in my prayer's.
Sen. Thompson was a wonderful person who loved the Lord.
God Bless!
Marsha Kosh
Ft. Myers, Fl.
Kelly and Barbara
November 4, 2015
RIP
debora
November 3, 2015
Rest in peace my friend.
Scot Felsoci
November 3, 2015
Fred was a good man. He always stood up for what he believed in. A good republican and I think he would have been a good President. God bless his family.
Michael Corber
November 3, 2015
Deep condolences to all family and friends. I have enjoyed Mr. Dalton's work for many years. May he rest in peace.
Bill Griffith
November 3, 2015
Thank you Sen. Fred Thompson for your service to the State of Tennessee and our nation. Above all thanks for always just being real and being yourself. We are all better people because we crossed paths in life.
November 3, 2015
I used to watch Fred on "Meet the Press" with Tim Russert. I loved both of them. Now they are both gone. I'm very sad, but I'm a better person having Ostend to both of them. God rest both of your souls.
Tim Bell
Mt Pleasant, MI
Clarence Stubblefield
November 3, 2015
Rest in peace, Fred. We' Tennessean's are grateful for the only "True" conservative (R) US Senator we've had in 50+ yrs! This family, in their loss, has a true All American to fondly remember. Prayers are lifted for all.
Faith/Rory Tobin/Dockett
November 3, 2015
Dear Thompson my name is Faith Tobin/Rory Dockett and we'd like to express our condolecnes's to the Thompson Family on the loss of Fred Thompson.he'll surely be missed.luv,Faith/Rory
Michael Jones
November 3, 2015
Great man! Our thoughts and prayers go out to family
November 3, 2015
Wonderful actor and person. He will be missed. My condolences to his family.
Barbara Musarra
November 3, 2015
To Fred Thompson's family. This wonderful man is resting in the bosom of the Lord. May you all find peace in his memories. You were all so very blessed to be his loving family. God bless you all at this very sad time. You will be in my prayers.
Marlene Haegele
November 3, 2015
I admired Fred Thompson for his work on television and the movies. I thought he was a great politician just what Washington D.C. needed on Capitol Hill. I will miss him terribly. My sincerest condolences.
November 3, 2015
A great and good man. So sorry.
The Nelsons
"Matilda" Rita Richter
November 3, 2015
Jeri, I'm so sorry for your loss. I only got to meet Fred once but I got the impression that he was a "gentle giant" and loved and respected by many. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Tom Rowland
November 3, 2015
Our state and nation has lost a great statesman. Leaders such as Senator Thompson usually come once in a generation. On behalf of the many friends of Fred in Cleveland thanks to the family for sharing this man with us. God bless the family and extended family.
Tom Rowland,
mayor,
City of Cleveland, Tn.
Sharon Collie Northern
November 3, 2015
Thompson Family-
Growing up in Hallbrook in the 70's, before I knew what Watergate was and long before he ever embarked on a career as an actor, I can remember thinking "Mr. Thompson" was perhaps one of the most charismatic guys around. Granted, I didn't know what "charisma" meant but even when he was out in his yard or handing out Trick or Treats, even a little kid like me knew that he was not your regular, Suburban Dad.
Until my own father died in 1992, he would laugh in remembering the time Betsy and Danny decided to play a pre-Halloween prank and get our pumpkins off the front porch. Dad happened to catch them in the act and he always laughed when remembering the fear in Betsy and Danny's eyes when he mentioned talking to their parents....
Thinking of all of The Thompson's and praying your memories and the love of your family and friends will sustain you.
Tom & Gail Stanford
November 3, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kay Reckord Ames
November 3, 2015
The world has lost another great human being who did so much for his country that he loved. He was truly a First Class Gentleman - one of a kind. Again my sincere condolences.
Kay Reckord Ames
November 3, 2015
So very sorry for your loss. Mr. Thompson was a great actor - loved him in Law & Order and all his roles. He just seemed to be such a warm "teddy bear" type person and I loved him in commercials as well - he was sincere and gave you the feeling he truly believed what he said whether in a role or whatever he was doing. I was sorry when he pulled out of the presidential race. He will be truly missed. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Cherish the wonderful memories he's left with you. R.I.P. Fred
November 3, 2015
To the family, please accept my condolences for your loss. May you throw all your anxieties on our God and Father and may he be for you a solid rock during these difficult times.
-sj
Mary Kaye Tabler
November 3, 2015
I really enjoyed watching Mr. Thompson on TV. In Law and Order and the movie Feds. So very sorry for the families loss.
louise wisinski
November 3, 2015
Sympathies to your family and friends. Loved you forever; RIP
Toni Blake
November 3, 2015
Always liked Fred Thompson and enjoyed meeting him at church in VA a few years back. Very nice man and humble. I don't know why but when I was looking up at him and listening to him speak it made me think that perhaps his personality was akin to President George Washington's or how I would imagine him being. His mother is such a lovely woman and beautiful spirit - after meeting her I knew why Fred was like he was with having been raised by a woman like her. Our country's loss. Thinking of his family.
Anita Makkos [Videmsek]
November 3, 2015
My heart goes to all family members of my depart cousin Fred. You may not remember me but my name is Anita Makkos [Videmsek}and I live in Ohio.God Bless All of you...maybe you can call me...330 748 4478 after 6pm EST....thank you
Cliff Saxon
November 3, 2015
We Have Lost A First Class Gentleman. My Condolences To His Family, Friends, And To The People Of Tennessee. Fred Was Truly One Of A Kind. He Will Be Missed.
AJ Gentry
November 3, 2015
My deepest sympathy to the family. Senator Thompson was a true inspiration and source of wisdom. A great man and a great loss to all.
Charles Scott
November 3, 2015
R.I.P.You made a difference. The world will miss you.
anna morrow
November 3, 2015
My Condolences to the thompson family til this day i watch law and order reruns may mr thompson rest in peace and may god help you through this time of sorrow he will always be remembered
Scott Chamberland
November 3, 2015
Rest in Peace
michelle plakas-kaiser
November 3, 2015
rip
al smith
November 3, 2015
It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that the LORD called you home FRED you were a beacon of light as a public servant and the work you implemented made our lives better.
I want you to know that I was your biggest fan and when you spoke of your vision for this country it was like you were talking to me alone, I thank you for your unselfish dedication and love of this country and it's people. You will live in our hearts forever.
May the LORD receive you into his kingdom.
Never forget you
Al
Ron Johnson
November 3, 2015
You will be sorely missed. Rest in peace and thank you for serving our country in the Senate and enlightening our world with your acting.
November 3, 2015
You will be sorely missed. Rest in peace and thank you for serving our country in the Senate and enlightening our world with your acting.
Jeannie Figueroa
November 3, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Bill Burnett
November 3, 2015
A first class gentleman that will sadly be missed by us that had the pleasure of knowing him. God Bless his family through the days a head.
Cheryl Richard
November 2, 2015
I know the Lord called you home Fred, and so you went. Being a sister in Christ I will someday meet you. To the family of Mr.Thompson, the great American that he was, I have lifted you in prayer knowing the Lord is there for you and out of love I say this from my heart. God bless your beautiful family.
Gina Donahue
November 2, 2015
Deepest condolences to the family and friends of a great man in government and the screen.
Chris
November 2, 2015
I watched him on Law & Order and on the Republican debates and he seemed to be a nice man. Rest in Peace.
Bonnie and Tommy Quinn
November 2, 2015
So sorry to here about Fred Thompson. I never met him but I do like his movies.he was a good actor and good in politics. Praying for his family and friends during this diffucult time. R.I.P.
Randy Shirley
November 2, 2015
Admired his servanthood. A life well lived. Blessings of comfort and peace to his family.
Anna Llanes
November 2, 2015
R.I.P.Senator
Our deepest condolences to the family.
Kathleen Flanagan
November 2, 2015
I was sad to hear that Mr. Thompson has passed. I never met the man but he seemed to be a noble man with high morals and a love for his country. We will all miss him.
Charles Clinard
November 2, 2015
A fine Tennessean
David Morrison
November 2, 2015
Prayers for Senator Fred Thompson's family..this I ask in Jesus' Name for them to be comforted and encouraged.
Joann Letzo
November 2, 2015
with deepest sympathy,
Gerry and Joann Letzo
Pottsville , Pa
John Tidwell
November 2, 2015
To all the lovely family of a wonderful hero and true American. Fred was a man of great virtue and he made us all better people. You are all in our prayers as you have lost a sweet soul. We will see him again in that place we all long for. John Tidwell
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