George Edward Thompson Jr.

George Edward Thompson Jr., 80, of Conway, a long-time resident of Conway, passed away Thursday, June 17, 2010. He was born June 5, 1930, in Youngstown, Ohio, to the late George E. Thompson Sr., and Mattie Mae (Jones) Thompson. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Jean Frances (Rains) Thompson, one sister, Antoinette Fulmore, a brother, Tommy Thompson, and a granddaughter, Erin Thompson. He graduated from Warren Easton High School in New Orleans, Louisiana. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1951 and served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. His over seas deployment were on the aircraft carriers: USS Point Cruz, USS Princeton, USS Bon Homme Richard, USS Shangri-la, and Patrol Squadrons VS-21 and VP-9. He retired in 1970 as a Chief Petty Officer. After settling in Conway in 1970, he briefly worked at UCA in the Maintenance Department and then attended UCA on the GI Bill graduating with a BSE in 1977 and a MSE in 1978. He also retired from the North Little Rock public school district as a vocational teacher. He was a very active supporter of UCA athletics and a charter member of the Purple Circle. He was also a member of the VFW and American Legion. He is survived by two sons, Bruce Thompson of Bryant and Kevin Thompson and wife Pat of Clinton; one daughter, Lisa Burton and husband Roger of Vine Grove, Kentucky; six grandchildren, Scott Thompson, Michelle Thompson, Eli Thompson, Emille Hudspeth, Daniel Wise and Tony Wise; six great-grandchildren; and one sister, Peggy Loop and husband George of Marenisco, Michigan. Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at 16th Section Cemetery, Austin, Ark., (Lonoke County) with Dr. Audie Lynch officiating. Visitation will be Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.