Photo courtesy of Shuler-Marshall Funeral Home - Holly Hill
May 31, 1938 - Nov 20, 2024
Our deepest condolences to the family and family prayer's are with you at such a very difficult time.
Joann Husser
November 26, 2024
Our Deepest Sympathy to the family May the Lord comfort you during this most difficult time
Raymond and Thelma Smalls Watson
Thelma Watson
November 24, 2024 | Orangeburg, SC | Family
Ethel Mae Stevens
November 24, 2024 | Saluda, SC
May God surround you all with peace and love during your time of sorrow.
Love,
Emmit, Shell & Anah
Sherry Gilliam
November 24, 2024 | Columbia, SC | Family
Robert “Pappy” Thompson, Jr. was born in Holly Hill, South Carolina, on May 31, 1938, as the second child born to Robert Thompson, Sr., and Evangeline Thompson.
After graduating from Roberts High School in 1957, Robert enlisted in the United States Navy on June 3rd, 1958. He often cited one of B.B. King’s songs as his inspiration to join so he could “see the world”. While on active duty, he was trained as a Radio Operator where he learned Morse code, using those skills to communicate with other vessels and shore stations. As a result of his dedication to excellence, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.
After 10 years of military service aboard vessels throughout Europe, Asia, and South America, Robert was ready to settle down and start a family. He was honorably discharged from the Navy on June 7, 1968 and soon after began working as Night Manager with Western Union in Charleston, SC. He excelled at his job due to his accurately efficient typing skills developed during his days in the Navy.
Robert met and married Ruby Martino of Holly Hill, SC, and to that union, two children were born: Lieutenant Colonel Donna Thompson Douglas, USAF (Clifton) of Charleston, SC, and Dr. Dondrea Roberta Thompson of Berkeley, CA. He was also blessed with two sons, Michael Smalls and Colonel Frank Benjamin, Ret. USAF (Rena).
Robert was preceded in death by his father, Robert Thompson, Sr.; his mother, Evangeline Thompson; and his sister, Ineda Pelzer. He leaves to cherish his memory his nieces and nephews: Dr. Altamease Moore (Trent) of Wisconsin, Carnell Pelzer (Phelawn) of Holly Hill, Robert Lee Pelzer (Yolanda) of New Mexico, Anthony Pelzer (Valerie) of North Carolina, and Roger Pelzer of North Dakota. He leaves behind five grandsons: Napier “Perry” Harris, Lieutenant Commander Kendall Benjamin,USN, Dr. Brian Benjamin, Austin Benjamin, Kevin Benjamin; and three great-grandchildren: Nykia Green, Keano Harris, and Athena Benjamin. He is also remembered by special friend Ada Waring, and a host of cousins, extended family, and friends.
Online condolences may be sent to: www.shulermarshallfuneralhome.com.
Read More
