Robert Marion "Bob" Thompson, 99, of Lake City, passed away peacefully on Sunday afternoon, December 22, 2024 at the Lake City Veterans Administration Hospital Hospice Unit after an extended illness. He was born on Armistice Day, November 11, 1925 in Greeleyville, South Carolina to the late Robert M. Thompson and Rosa Cain Thompson. He has been a resident of Lake City since 1969 and was a member of the Athens Baptist Church of Lake City. He served his country in the United States Navy, enlisting in 1943 and serving during World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War. He served on various aircraft carriers, including the Shangri-La out of NAS-JAX. He retired in 1968 as a Chief Petty Officer. Afterwards, he worked for the State of Florida in the Division of Driver's Licensing for a little over 19 years, retiring in 1987. In his spare time, he enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and his church family. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling in his RV and Gator Football. He is preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Lester Thompson, Loyal Thompson, Florrie Dubose, Mana Ridgill, Jennie Thompson, Louise Berry and Dorothy Raulerson.

He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Pansy Diane Thompson of Lake City; son, Ray Howard of New Smyrna Beach; daughter, Cheri Howard of Lake Butler; and his grandson and great-grandson, Justin Howard and Carson Howard. He is also survived by his loving Thompson family in LaGrange, Georgia and South Carolina; as well as his special friend, Don McKinney.

A funeral service for Bob will be conducted on Monday, December 30, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. in the Gateway-Forest Lawn Memorial Chapel with Rev. Jeff Wethington and Rev. Howard Adams, officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation beginning at 1:00 P.M., prior to the service at the funeral home.