Clifford Thompson Sr.

Cliff had an incredible career in the Navy, reaching the rank of Captain.

He reported to boot camp in San Diego, California and then entered the Naval School of preflight.

Cliff graduated and was commissioned an Ensign in 1952.

He had tours on the USS Yorktown, USS Ranger and was the first to fly the RA-5C's on board.

He then attended the Navy's postgraduate School in Calif receiving a degree in International Affairs.

Cliff continued his education attending the Naval War College, GW for a Masters in International affairs.

He was the Commanding Officer of the squadron RVAH-9 that flew vigilante's in Viet Nam.

He was the Safety Officer / Executive Officer on the USS Saratoga, the Commander of the

Reconnaissance Attack Wing One in Key West, and the Commander of the Mayport Naval Station.

Cliff did several tours at the Pentagon, last one in Chief of Naval Operations for the Secretary of the Navy.

Cliff and Anna Marie were married for 64 years, had four children: Lisa, Clifford Jr., Kathleen, and John.

He loved is family, he loved to fly, he loved to play golf, he loved his grandbabies, and he loved his puppies.

Clifford Thompson is survived by his wife, Anna Marie; his daughter Lisa; son in law Steve; his son, Clifford Jr.; daughter in law, Cynthia; his daughter, Kathleen, daughter in law Debbie; and grandchildren, Emily, Christopher, Clifford III, Alexandra, Jessica; grandchildren in law, Alex, Maggie and Christopher.

He is preceded in death by his son, John.

A service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.