Mr. Bobby Leonard Thompson

Mr. Bobby Leonard Thompson of Tampa, FL, a lifelong resident and true trailblazer, passed peacefully on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital. He was 92 years old. A memorial service to celebrate Mr. Bobby Leonard Thompson's life will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at Ray Williams Memorial Chapel, 301 N. Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606, with Pastor Archie Randall, Officiating.

Born on February 27, 1933, in Tampa, FL, to Leonard Thompson and Ola Mae Jackson, Bobby attended and graduated from Middleton High School. He proudly served his country as a tanker in the U.S. Army. Following his military service, he pursued higher education at Florida A&M University, where he earned a degree in Education and played basketball, showcasing his athletic prowess.

Upon completing his education, Bobby dedicated himself to shaping young minds as an educator at Dunbar Elementary School. There, he fostered lasting relationships with his students, leaving a positive impact on generations of Tampa children.

Bobby's commitment extended far beyond the classroom. Demonstrating his dedication to community progress in the mid-1960s, he was instrumental in integrating the Boys Club of Tampa, ensuring access to vital resources and opportunities for Black youth. During the 1967 Tampa Riots, he played a pivotal role, meeting with the local sheriff and successfully convincing them to cancel the deployment of the National Guard. This act of leadership and diplomacy helped de-escalate tensions and promote peace within the community.

His entrepreneurial spirit led him to contribute to significant infrastructure projects, including the fabrication of steel for the iconic Seven Mile Bridge in Marathon, FL. He later founded Suncoast Welding Co., which left a lasting legacy of craftsmanship by installing the roof for Tampa's Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI). He further contributed to the city's growth by building the maintenance building at Tampa International Airport (TPA).

In the realm of business, Bobby achieved remarkable success, becoming Prudential Insurance's first producer in the million-dollar round table. He also demonstrated his commitment to safety and expertise by performing test pilings for the Sunshine Skyway Bridge after its collapse. Further solidifying his entrepreneurial ventures, he owned his independent insurance office in Downtown Tampa. Bobby was known for his unwavering commitment to his community and his remarkable achievements in education, business, and civic leadership. His contributions to his family, community, and the City of Tampa will be forever remembered.

Mr. Bobby L. Thompson was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Thompson; his mother, Ola Mae Jackson Gonzalez; his sister, Prudence Reeves; and his son, Roderick Thompson.

He leaves behind a legacy of love and accomplishment, cherished by his children: son, Robert L Thompson (Eileen); and daughter, Lillian Moorehead (Vincent); grandchildren, Danielle Thompson, Robert Thompson Jr., Leah Thompson, and Kiah Moorehead; and great-grandson, Cyrus. He is also survived by his nephew, Clay Reeves (Janet); nieces, Roxie Reeves, Rhonda Reeves, and Nina Thomas (Isaac); 1st cousins, Maxine Cogman, LaDonna Harvey and a host of relatives and friends.

Arrangements entrusted to Ray Williams Funeral Home, Rhodes & Northern, Owners.

www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com