Charles E. "Chuck" Thompson, Sr. 88, of Columbus, MS. departed this life and went to his heavenly home on just after midnight on 31 August 2020 while residing at the State Veterans Home in Kosciusko, MS, where he had been moved on 17 August 2020.

A funeral service will be Thursday, September 3, 2020, at 10:00 AM at  Woodland Baptist Church, Columbus, MS with Bro. Kevin Jenkins officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Gardens with Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS directing.

Mr. Thompson was born on 18 February 1932 in Gadsden, AL, where he grew up. He was called to service n the United stat Air Force during the Korean War era at the age of 19 and began a career in the military supply system. His first station was in England in 1951 where he met the love of his life, Elena Soanes (Lennie Thompson). The two were wed in the village of Cransley, England on 19 December 1953. Together they would move from there to the States, then to Newfoundland and back to the States where they eventually made their home in Columbus with their daughter Julie and son Tommy; family was always his first priority. A proud veteran with a strong love for God and his country, he received numerous awards during his military service, including being honored with the Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam. After he retired at the rank of Master Sergeant in 1973, he continued serving his country with the Civil Service until retiring in 1993. Chuck was known by all for his cheerful demeanor wherever he went; Cheerful Charlie was his online moniker. He would often joke with everyone, from family to friends, and even with nurses and health care workers up to his last day. Dedicated to Christian service, he served in many capacities in the churches where he was a member, including ordained deacon; the longest period being at Woodland Baptist Church from 1977 to present. He always had a big place in his heart for special needs youth and children in general. He led the church bus ministry for many years at Woodland, picking up children for Sunday School every week. He would often bring happiness to them by dressing as a clown for special events at the church and giving out candy at the mall on Halloween. Always willing to put forth every effort to benefit those with various needs, Chuck made many long-distance bike rides and walks to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Chuck Thompson was loved by all who knew him and he will be missed greatly; but to quote Ravi Zacharias, "Heaven can never be enriched more than it is with the presence of the Lord; but it can certainly be adorned more with the coming of each new soul." This precious soul has surely added to that adornment. In addition to his parents, Mr. Thompson is preceded in death by his brother- Randel Thompson, and sister- Glenda Provost.

Mr. Thompson is survived by his wife- Elena "Lennie" Soanes Thompson of Columbus, MS; Son- Charles "Tom" (Terry) Thompson of Columbus, MS; daughter- Julie (Tom) Tidwell Kingsport, TN; 5 grandchildren;  9 great-grandchildren; host of nieces and nephews; brother- Donald Ray Thompson; and sister-Nancy Bearden.

Pallbearers will be Blake Holliman, John Charles Leaphart, Wes Carlisle, Dale Parra, Mark Bailey, and Tim Chaltry.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gideon's International P.O. Box 2174 Columbus,MS 39704