Milton Sheppard Thompson, 82

Milton Sheppard Thompson, 82, of Heatherly Heights Road, Saluda, died Thursday, July 28, 2016, at Charles George VA Medical Center, Asheville, NC after a period of declining health.

He was born on St. Simons Island, GA, the son of the late Sara Sheppard Thompson and Milton Linton “Dad” Thompson. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Alberta “Albie” Dziadosz Thompson.

He was a graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in animal husbandry.  He was planning to become a veterinarian, instead joined the U. S. Marine Corps.  He retired in 1977 from the Marine Corps after 23 years of service, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel earning many military decorations.

Following his retirement from the Marine Corps, he was employed as Vice President of Maintenance with Hawaiian Airlines in Honolulu, HI; as the Manager of Aircraft Spares for the DC-9/MD80 Aircraft at McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Company in Long Beach, CA; and Thorlo Sock Company in Statesville, NC.

Surviving are his wife of 32 years, Jane Holgerson Thompson of the home, a son, Milton Alexander Thompson of Phoenix, AZ, a brother Edwin Thompson and his wife Marianne of Milledgeville, GA, his nephews, Edwin Thompson, Jr. and his wife Dana and Brett Thompson and his wife Dana.  

He loved his creatures: Lucky, the rescued Boykin Spaniel, accompanied him everywhere for 14 years, and rescued cats through the years, Da Puss, Amber, Boots, Iris, Penny, Bella and Skylar. He and Jane enjoyed traveling extensively, sharing both mini-adventures and occasional misadventures, bringing Lucky along whenever possible.

He was a member of The Episcopal Church of Transfiguration, 72 Charles Street, Saluda, NC where a Celebration of Life and Holy Eucharist will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 13, 2016, followed by interment in the Columbarium. The family will receive friends after the service in the Parish Hall of the Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials for Milton can be made to Boykin Spaniel Rescue Society, c/o Katherine Garstang, 1624 Yorktown Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22901; or to the Saluda Church of Transfiguration Endowment Fund for Preservation, PO Box 275, Saluda, NC 28773.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.  Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center are in charge of arrangements.