World War II Veteran, Longtime Funeral Home Employee Turns 100

David Lebron Thompson was part of the Greatest Generation and has lived to tell about his experiences. The World War II veteran is celebrating his 100^th birthday today.

Mr. Thompson was born in Flintstone, Ga., and graduated from Chattanooga Valley High School. When his country called, a young Thompson served in the United States Army.

PFC Thompson was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement in ground combat against the armed enemy during WWII in the European African Middle Eastern Theater of operations.

Mr. Thompson often talked about sleeping in the snow in the war and one time he nearly died. While he was in Africa, the young soldier got malaria; an officer saw his condition and ordered he be taken to get immediate medical attention.

Mr. Thompson told his friends he chose funeral service as a career after seeing so many bodies during the war. In the late 1940s Mr. Thompson got a job at the Cosmopolitan Funeral Home and went through the apprentice program before receiving his license. He was 29.

Mr. Thompson also worked for Wann and Turner Funeral Homes before joining the staff at Chattanooga Funeral Home in May, 1963. He is now CFH’s oldest employee.

CFH President Gene Pike said Mr. Thompson has dedicated his life to service. Mr. Pike said, “He answered his country’s call, was involved in his church, belonged to the Alhambra Shrine supporting Shriners Children’s hospital and has a lifetime of funeral service to families of the greater Chattanooga Area. His decades of service were a calling. Gail and I wish David a very happy 100^th birthday."

Rev. Brent Smith served as Mr. Thompson’s pastor for 20 plus years.

He said, “We all called him Lebron at the church and he was one of the most faithful members that we had. He rarely missed a service. If the church doors were open, he was normally there unless he was physically or providentially hindered. Sometimes Lebron would come into the church and he would ask me if I thought we would have to bring chairs out because of the great crowd of people we were going to have in the service. We would both get a chuckle out of it, but I always appreciated his optimism and we prayed that people would come to church. Mr. Thompson has been a member of Flintstone Baptist Church most of his life. He worked at the Chattanooga Funeral Home for many many years and was one of the earliest funeral home workers in the entire state of Tennessee. I forget what his number was, but he would pull out his card and show me. I have great memories of Lebron, and he was always an encouragement to me as his pastor. His dear wife, Betty, was one of the sweetest ladies I have known as well. Lebron always took care of Betty, who was partially blind, until he was physically not able to continue to do so. Betty worked for years at Miller Brothers Department Store. They both loved the Lord and our church.”

Mr. Thompson was married to his wife Betty (also from North Georgia) for 75 years and they have two sons, Rick and the late Les Thompson.

CFH East Chapel Manager Mike Blevins said, “I’ve known David for 35 years. He’s mentored and he taught me a lot about funeral service. His entire life has been about helping people and taking care of somebody. David would often mention driving an ambulance up Lookout Mountain in ice and snow to help someone in distress. David is one of my favorite people and a pleasure to be around. Our entire staff thanks David for his decades of service and we wish him a happy 100^th.”

His son Rick said, “Dad didn’t have any hobbies but my parents enjoyed traveling around eating at various restaurants. His favorites were Park Place in Fort Oglethorpe and Epicurean in East Ridge.

"Dad enjoyed vacations each year either at Panama City or Daytona Beach in Florida. My dad’s enjoyment in life came from being with the families he served and there were thousands.”

Family and friends gathered Tuesday at the Life Care Center of Ooltewah to wish David Lebron Thompson a happy 100^th birthday and enjoy his birthday cake.