David Eugene Thompson

David Eugene Thompson, SMSGT Retired, 76, passed away, Tuesday, October 22, 2024, after undergoing treatment for lung cancer. A native of Vallejo, California was born November 14, 1947, to the late Leonard Eugene Thompson and Thema May Thompson nee Garrison and a resident of York County for the last 37 years.

He served in the United States Air Force as a Pararescue/Recovery Technician (12 years) and continued in the Air Force as a Weather Superintendent (10 years). During his military career his assignments took him from his home in California to Florida, Vietnam, Hawaii, California, Iceland, New Mexico, and North Carolina before retiring in Virginia in 1989. After completing his military career, he worked as a real estate agent and then ran his own real estate appraisal business until 2021.

David was a member of the Baha’i Faith in York County, VA.

22 years of outstanding and distinguished service to his country in the United States Air Force. 12 years Pararescue; 10 years Special Operations Weather Team: Air Weather Service; Special Forces Airborne; Jungle Expert; NASA Group Achievement Award for Task

Force 130 (in support of operations during Apollo 11 Mission) Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters (OLC) / Air Medal with Four OLC, AF Commendation Medal, Distinguished-Presidential Unit Citation, AF Outstanding Unit Award with two OLC, Combat Readiness Medal, AF Good Conduct Medal with four OLC, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Four Bronze Service Stars, AF

Overseas Ribbon-Short, AF Overseas Ribbon - long with one OLC, AF Longevity Service Ribbon with four OLC, NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon with two OLC, AF Training Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Device and Republic Of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Berg Wacht Volunteer: part of German Red Cross (voluntary organization providing over 90% of the emergency services in the impassable terrain of the German Central Upland and Alpine regions).

David was a member of various billiards league and bowling teams. He loved Corvettes, and even drove them in Autocross. He instructed and participated in skydiving for many years. He volunteered at the battered woman’s shelter in Hampton, VA. In the time he spent there, he was able to provide an example of safety, kindness, and compassion for women and their children who may have not had that experience before in their lives.

He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Clyde and Richard Thompson. David is survived by his loving wife of 54 years; daughter Kimberly Thompson (Thomas Fatone); son, Kelsey Thompson (Anne Zickefoose) and grandson, Cyrus Thompson as well as many other loving relatives and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Wounded Warrior Project, The American Caner Society or The Southern Poverty Law Center (See links below)

A graveside service with full military honors will be held 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 20th at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 5310 Milners Road, Suffolk, VA 23434.

Arrangements and heartfelt guidance through Claytor Rollins Funeral Home.

Online condolences to claytorrollins.com.

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