C.A. "Chuck" Thompson

C.A. "Chuck" Thompson, 96, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025, in Melbourne, Florida. A dedicated engineer, veteran, and lifelong learner, Chuck's remarkable life journey spanned nearly a century of service, innovation, and quiet generosity.
Born on August 16, 1928, in Starkville, Mississippi, Chuck was raised on the family farm near Maben in the Self Creek community. Alongside his siblings Aileen and Roy, he helped his parents tend cotton fields and maintain a family garden on Thompson Road. These early years instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep connection to nature that would remain with him throughout his life.
Chuck served his country with honor during World War II and again during the Korean War. He was stationed in both Japan and Korea before returning home to Mississippi in 1951. In 1953, he married and soon after pursued higher education through the GI Bill. He graduated from Indiana Tech as an electrical engineer-a field that would become the foundation of his distinguished career.
Chuck's professional legacy is most notably marked by his contributions to the Apollo 11 mission to the moon. While working in the aerospace industry, he identified a critical flaw in the umbilical system-an essential component responsible for delivering power, communications, coolant, and fuel to the spacecraft prior to launch. His detailed report prompted an official review conference where he presented his findings. The corrections made as a result of his work played a vital role in ensuring the safety and success of one of humanity's greatest achievements. Chuck retired from the aerospace industry in 1981.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Chuck was an inventive spirit who loved building and fixing things. He constructed small sailboats for his children and enjoyed sailing his boats, Tantara and Plover, along the Indian River between Merritt Island and Fort Pierce. At home on South Merritt Island, he cultivated fruit trees-mangoes, tangerines, oranges, avocados, and bananas-and even built a roadside stand for his children to sell mangoes.
Chuck's curiosity never waned; he remained a student of many subjects throughout his life. In later years, he formed daily friendships with visiting Blue Jays who would perch beside him for peanuts and chit chat-a testament to his gentle presence and appreciation for life's simple joys.
He is lovingly remembered by his daughter Cheryl Lynn Thompson; son Geoffrey Scott Thompson; sister-in-law Peggy Randolph Thompson; nephews Ronald Dale Young and Michael Doil Young (Bonnie Crunk Young); nephews, Chesler Crowley (Maryanne), Paul Crowley (Sherry), Rob Robinson.
Chuck was preceded in death by his mother Cleo Beecham Thompson; father William Joseph Thompson; infant brother Felix Thompson; sister Aileen Thompson Young; brother-in-law brother Roy Thompson; infant twin brothers; and son Robert Lane Thompson; brother-in-law Shed Doil Young; nephew Larry Eugene Crowley (Linda Crowley)
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Chuck's neighbors and friends within their close-knit community; the compassionate team at Vitas Healthcare; volunteers from Aging Matters in Brevard for their Meals on Wheels deliveries and warm visits; the Combat Veteran Motorcycle Association for their support; and Pet Therapy Volunteers Bob and Wen along with their beloved Tibby for bringing joy during a special evening visit.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the International Essential Tremor Foundation (IETF), 7046 West 105th Street, Overland Park, Kansas 66212.
May Chuck's memory bring comfort to those who knew him and inspiration to all who hear his story. International Essential Tremor Foundation