Charles Edward Thompson Sr., 89, of Social Circle, Ga., passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021 at his home. He was born on Feb. 23, 1932 in Hayesville to the late Harley David Thompson and Violet Ethel Crisp Thompson. Charles served in the United States Navy on the USS Lake Champlain in the Mediterranean Sea during the Korean War. He then worked for Lockheed Martin in Marietta, Ga. for 44 years. Charles was of the Methodist faith and was a ham radio operator, volunteered at the Social Circle Historical Society and enjoyed researching ancestry. He loved spending time at Lake Nantahala with his family and friends, fishing, water skiing and rocking on the front porch.
Along with his parents, Charles was also preceded in death by his late wife, Jo Ann Penland Thompson, who passed away in 2008; a brother, Archie Thompson; and a sister, Helen E. Thompson.
Those left behind to cherish his memory are his loving wife of nine years, Betty Benedict Thompson; his daughters, Dr. LuAnn T. Snipes (Dr. Jack), of Dallas, Texas, and Melinda C. Hogg (Dale), of Watkinsville, Ga.; his sons, Thomas E. Thompson (Beth), of Marietta, Ga., and Charles E. Thompson, Jr. (Helen), of Savannah, Ga.; his step-daughter, Alisa Lyon, of Social Circle; his sister, Judy Jones (Frank), of Shelby, Ala.; 10 grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; six step-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews around the country.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21 at Oak Forest United Methodist Church with the Rev. Bryan Wilson officiating. Masks are required.
Penland Family Funeral Home is honored to be caring for the Thompson Family and assisting them with arrangements. Condolences may be made to the family at: www.PenlandFamilyFuneralHome.com.