Robert Ellis Thompson

Born in Anderson, SC and raised in Spartanburg, he was the son of William S. Thompson and Margaret Forney Thompson. He attended Wofford College before transferring to the University of South Carolina to complete his degree in business administration. He also did post-graduate work at Louisiana State University.

He was an innovator in banking automation, bringing computerized payroll and the first credit card to South Carolina National Bank. Upon retirement in 1991, he was a caretaker for his mother, a rover at the University Club and active volunteer with Meals on Wheels and Trinity Housing. A long-time member of the Gamecock Club and Augusta National patron, Rob was an avid tennis player and golfer.

Rob attended Trinity Cathedral for more than 60 years, having married his loving wife Kathleen Beckham Adams there in 1962. They moved to Wyboo Plantation in Manning for 16 years and returned to Columbia in 2021 as part of the Merrill Gardens community.

He is survived by his two daughters Karen Thompson Ingram (Billy) of Columbia, SC and Heather Thompson Hester (Tony) of Johnson City, TN; and five grandchildren James Cleatus Owens, III, William Thompson Owens, Robert Jackson Hester, Perry Kathleen H. Chumbley (Christian) and Joanna Elizabeth Hester. He was predeceased by his parents, brother William S. Thompson, Jr. and his wife.

There will be a memorial service on Thursday, March 21 at 2:00 pm at Keenan Chapel at Trinity, with the Rev. Jimmy Hartley officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Trinity Foundation (1100 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29201).

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.