Walter Pierce Thompson Jr.

COLUMBIA – Walter Pierce Thompson, Jr., fondly known as “Butch”, “Walt” & “T.T.” to family, friends, and colleagues, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 26, 2021. He was a diehard Clemson Tiger fan and loved his Country.

Born March 20, 1949 in Spartanburg, S.C. He was the only son of the late Walter P. Thompson, Sr., and Sue Dillard Thompson. Walter was a 26-year veteran of the United States Army and Army Reserve, who retired from Fort Irwin, CA in 1993 where he was a member of the Cobra Team. Walter achieved the rank of Sergeant First Class. He was awarded the Silver Star for his Act of Valor in Combat in Vietnam, among other numerous awards. Walter was a member of the 101st Airborne Ranger Battalion and Drill Sergeant and loved the time he served in Panama, Germany, and many bases in the United States.

In retirement, Walter worked at Palmetto Health Richland as Security, Talbert Shives Funeral Home where he performed many services for many families and ultimately found his way back to Fort Jackson as Security before retiring again to spend more time with his family. Walter loved spending time with his loving wife of 26 years, his children, grandchildren, and his four-legged babies (Sophie & Zoe).

Walter is survived by his wife, Kathy Evans Thompson; daughters, Penny McDaniel (Jeff) of Pontiac, S.C., and Tonya Etheridge Green (David) of Blythewood, S.C.; two grandsons, Hunter McDaniel and Tyler Etheridge; two stepgrandchildren, Shelby Green and Chase Green; and his sister, Betty Jones. He was predeceased by his sister, Linda Garner.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 1, 2021 at Dunbar Funeral Home, Northeast Chapel on Hardscrabble Road, Columbia, S.C. with interment Military Honor Service at 3:00 p.m. in Fort Jackson National Cemetery, Percival Road, Columbia, S.C. The family will receive friends starting at 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National Lung Association of America or a charity of one’s choice.