Charlie Homer Thompson II

Ft. Worth, TX - El Paso, TX

Charlie Homer Thompson II passed away on January 18, 2024, in El Paso, TX. He was born on December 28, 1941, in Ft. Worth, TX.

Charlie, not Charles, is survived by his loving family including his son Brett Thompson, niece and nephew D'Lane & Phillip Briscoe, son and daughter-in-law Jay & Kathryn Wiggs, nephew Trent Rufus Thompson, and grandchildren Michael & Kyle Thompson, Carson & Lori Wiggs, Jordan & Marcus Mince Wiggs, great niece and nephews Ethan and Sydney Briscoe, Trent Nicholas Thompson, and great grandson Camden Wiggs. He was predeceased by his father Charlie Homer Thompson I, stepfather Charles Rufus Cadenhead, mother Vivian Lane Cadenhead, brother Gary Lane Thompson, and his wife Linda Corley.

Due to a persistent habit of telling long winded jokes and stories, it's no surprise that Charlie studied Modern Languages at Texas Western University, with a dual major in French and Spanish and a Minor in History. He served as a Captain in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and was one of the first Marines to go ashore in Vietnam on March 8, 1965. He received the Navy Commendation Medal with a Combat V for Valor for his heroic service.

Charlie had a passion for language, music, and the arts - anyone who has seen his work, especially George and Tilly, knows exactly just how much creativity possessed him. In his civilian life, Charlie created colorful and truly unique pieces of art. He started a woodworking club in Charleston where he excelled as a Master Cabinet Maker in South Carolina. He was a juried member of the South Carolina Arts Guild and the South Carolina Woodworkers Guild. After Hurricane Hugo destroyed the building where the Charleston Symphony Orchestra performed, he and his woodworking partner built and donated a stage on which the first post storm outdoor performance was held. His hurricane relief efforts continued when he served as president of the Anthony Rotary Club, raising $10,000 for Hurricane Katrina relief and supporting a fellow rotary club in New Orleans through the aftermath of their storm.

Charlie's dedication to the veteran community led to years of volunteer work and contributions including the War Eagles Museum, where he designed an interactive Vietnam OH58 helicopter exhibit with meticulous attention to historically accurate detail. He said seeing folks bring their kids and grandkids to explore it made the hard work all worth it.

Charlie and his beloved wife, Linda Corley, shared a love for travel, religiously attending their grandsons Carson and Jordan's college football games, and regularly participating in RV camping groups and the Cowboy Poetry Event in February each year. They were often seen volunteering for events like the Amigo Airsho and enjoying dinner with cherished friends at Billy Crew's. They are fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure of their company.

Graveside services to honor Charlie's life will be held at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery on February 5, 2024 at 1:30. He will be laid to rest next to Linda, followed by a gathering of friends at Billy Crew's.

Charlie Homer Thompson II will be remembered for his colorful approach to life, dedication to his country, his art, his love for his family, and his generosity within his community. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.