Lt. Col Charles Franklin Thompson, Sr. USAR (Ret.), of Gilbert, was born in Cheraw, South Carolina, in 1937 to Robert McKay Thompson and Emma Rebecca (Coppedge) Thompson, both of whom predeceased him. He was the youngest of seven children. Charles was known for having his father’s hard work ethic but mostly his mother’s kindness and gentleness, qualities which everyone who knew him admired. He was a member of the National Honor Society, the Junior Classical League, and a Block “C” member for lettering in track and field. He earned numerous academic and scholastic awards at Cheraw High School. He graduated from The Citadel in 1959. While at The Citadel, he was honored to have been a member of the Summerall Guard, an appointment he was quietly proud of all his life. He ran high hurdles on the Citadel track team and wrestled on the intramural team. He was loved by all his Citadel classmates and kept their friendships through the military and The Citadel reunions and activities for nearly 67 years. He followed the Citadel’s Honor Code, “A cadet does not lie, cheat, or steal, nor tolerate those who do.”
He met the love of his life, Jane Dantzler of Walterboro, South Carolina, while attending The Citadel. Charles and Jane married shortly after his graduation. Charles served with distinction during the Vietnam War, earning two Bronze Stars, three Gallantry Medals, and the Air Medal, among other commendations. He earned his MBA at Georgia Southern while stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, and went on to attend General Staff School at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, at the end of his tours of Vietnam. He was a wonderful husband to Jane, father to his children, doting grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved his friendships with the South Carolina Miniature Militia and spent years with them making and presenting dioramas all over the Southeast. He served with the Lexington Chapter of the Lions Club for many years. He was an avid ancestry researcher, spending hours talking with Jane and anyone who would listen about his latest findings. He was so very proud of his roots. Charles was Jane’s partner in any project she had for the yard or house. He could fix and design anything.
Charles loved Shiloh Methodist Church and its members. It was truly his second home. The family is very thankful for the members’ loving care of Dad in his final days.
Charles is survived by his children Lee Anne Thompson, Charles Franklin Thompson Jr. (Mary-Ellen), and Jennifer D. Thompson, and by his grandchildren Elizabeth P. Fager (Matt), Katie T. Sansone (Michael), Emily Studemeyer (Ryan), William C. Sumner (Ally), and Holland Thompson Chastain; and great-grandchildren Molly Fager, Jack Sansone, Callum Studemeyer, and Danny Sansone.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday August 1, 2026 at Shiloh United Methodist Church (1000 Spring Hill Rd, Gilbert, SC 29054) with the Rev. John Kronz officiating. Burial will Military Honors will follow in the church cemetery. Barr-Price Funeral Home and Crematorium, Historic Batesburg-Leesville Chapel is in charge of arrangements.