JACKSONVILLE  -  Thomas Wayne Thompson, Sr., Master Gunnery Sergeant United States Marine Corps, Retired, 75, of Jacksonville, died Wednesday, April 17, 2024.  Graveside memorial services, with military honors, will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at Onslow Memorial Park.

Master Gunnery Sergeant Thompson was a 30-year United States Marine Corps Veteran who served in Vietnam, Beirut, Japan, Germany, Denmark, and other locations. He was born on August 7, 1948, in Columbus, Georgia. He was predeceased by his wife, Rochelle Clement and brother, Albert Chris Thompson.

He is survived by his sister, Judith Maloney, and his children, Monica Catherine Bower, Edward Shane Thompson, and Thomas Wayne Thompson Jr. He was also blessed with four grandchildren.

During his time in the Marine Corps, Master Gunnery Sergeant Thompson achieved numerous accomplishments, including the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V", Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy Arctic Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Parachutist Insignia, Scuba Divers Insignia, and a Letter of Appreciation.