Nathaniel Ross Thompson Jr.

Passed away peacefully June 10, 2011, surrounded by family, at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He was 83. Ross is survived by his wife of 59 years, Dolores Casey Thompson; five children, Nathaniel R. Thompson III (Amy Thompson), Kathleen Liesfeld, Barbara Burns (David Burns), James Thompson (Kim Monti), and Patrick Thompson; and ten grandchildren, Christine Burns, LT, U.S. Navy, Rebecca Burns, David Burns II, Charles Liesfeld, James Liesfeld, Casey Thompson, Bridget Thompson, Ian Thompson, Kathryn Thompson, and Matthew Thompson; and a brother, James Thompson.

Ross was born in Philadelphia, PA, on September 5, 1927, to the late Nathaniel and Dorothy Thompson. Ross graduated from Temple University and received a master’s degree from Syracuse University.

Ross retired as a lieutenant general from the U.S. Army in 1986 after 37 years of distinguished service. His last two military assignments were the Commanding General, 21st Support Command, U.S. Army Europe, and The Inspector General, United States Army.

From 1986 to 2006, Ross served as Director of Army Emergency Relief, where he made a significant impact on expanding and improving assistance to soldiers and their family members.

Ross was also an active member of Heritage Presbyterian Church, having served several terms as an elder of the church.

Friends and relatives may call Wednesday, June 15, 2011, 2:00–4:00 p.m. or 6:00–8:00 p.m., at Demaine Funeral Home, 520 South Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; and a memorial service will be held Thursday, June 16, 2011, 11:00 a.m., at Heritage Presbyterian Church, 8503 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria, VA. Burial will follow at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in his name to Army Emergency Relief, 200 Stovall Street, Room 5-N-13, Alexandria, VA 22332.