Robert I. Thompson Jr.

Shreveport, LA

Robert I. “Bob” Thompson, Jr. went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on August 23, 2011, after a lengthy illness. Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. until service time on Thursday, August 25, 2011, at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home. Services will begin at 2:00 p.m. Officiating will be Rev. Wayne DuBose, Dr. Rod Masteller, Dr. Murry Hodge and Rev. Joe Aulds. Private family interment will follow at Centuries Memorial Park.

Mr. Thompson was a loyal and devoted member of Summer Grove Baptist Church for 20 years, teaching and serving on various committees during that time. He inspired and touched many lives with his gentle spirit and ready smile.

He was born in Bainbridge, GA on November 11, 1922, and was reared in Memphis, TN. and St. Louis, MO. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emily and Robert Thompson, Sr.; sisters, Virginia Louise Thompson and Mary Frances Baer of St. Louis, MO.

He attended University of Iowa and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. After an honorable discharge he worked for Sperry Rail Service traveling the U.S., Mexico and Canada checking for defective rails. Mr. Thompson loved to tell how he met his beloved wife, Marietta, when she was working for a railroad co. in San Antonio, TX. and he was there checking the rails for that railroad when he saw her walking down the track to her office building one morning, and by that afternoon had figured out a way to meet her! He leaves his wife of 62 years to cherish his memories and tell his stories, his two sons and their wives, Robert III and Marian of Shreveport, LA, Matthew and Cindy of Brentwood, TN, and nine grandchildren who were his pride and joy; Robert IV and wife, Angela of Los Angeles, CA, Shannon of New York City, William, Emily, Laura and Thomas, Natalie of Los Angeles, CA, Morgan and Ann-Marie. Also, he leaves dear friends of 58 years, Occie and Faye Wadsworth of Lubbock, TX.

Mr. Thompson loved to travel and took many cruises with his wife, was an avid reader and a wonderful storyteller with a mind that recalled the smallest details. Other than his first love, Marietta, his passion was sports, especially golf. He loved sharing with his friends (or anybody who would listen) about his golfing trips to Scotland and Ireland with his son, Bobby, playing all the famous courses. This was the highlight of his life.

Mr. Thompson began his career with Graybar Electric Co. in Dallas, TX in March, 1949, where he later joined the Outside Construction Dept. In 1953, he was transferred to Lubbock and Amarillo, TX territories in the Supply Sales Division (both sons being born in Lubbock) then returned to Dallas in 1960 as District Manager of the Outside Construction Department. In 1963 he attained distinctive rank of Executive Master Salesman. This award was granted only to distribution salesmen who had earned the outstanding honor of Master Salesman selling General Electric apparatus. He was recognized for his excellent performance many times during his 30 year career with Graybar and was known to display an exemplary level of integrity, honesty, professionalism and a superior work ethic – a man of character dedicated to honesty and fairness in dealing with his fellow man. In 1964 he became Branch Manager of Graybar in Abilene, TX and in 1969 appointed Branch Manager in Shreveport, LA. He retired from Graybar in March, 1979 after thirty years of service.

“Mr. Bob” as he was affectionately called by his friends and “Papa” by his family, will be greatly missed. We love you “Papa”, you will be with us always.

Pallbearers will be grandchildren, Robby, Shannon, William and Thomas Thompson; nephew, Willis Patton, Jr., David Tate, Larry Rowe and Jack Waren. Honorary pallbearers will be Terry Hayes, Frank Hamby, Bill Duncan, and Tom Kuehnemund.

The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Randy Del Mundo, Dr. Albert Krause and the nurses, and CNA’s at Colonial Guest Care and Cornerstone Hospital for their support and compassion.

Memorials may be made to Summer Grove Baptist Church 8924 Jewella Ave. Shreveport, LA 71118; Alzheimer’s Association 1700 Buckner St. Shreveport, LA 71101, Joe Aulds Evangelistic Ministries 181 Harrison Rd. Ruston, LA 71270, or the charity of donor’s choice.

You may offer condolences and sign the on-line guest book by visiting www.centuriesmemorialfh.com.

Centuries Memorial Funeral Home

(318) 686-4334