Obituary
Guest Book
COLUMBIA - Robert Smith Thompson, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, beloved husband of Judith Curfman Thompson, died March 15, 2017. He was the son of the late Dr. Milton Needham Thompson and Marian Smith Thompson of Cambridge Ohio. He was born on November 28, 1937 in East Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Thompson was a graduate of Oberlin College AB in History; Harvard University Graduate School, AM in Asian Studies; and University of Michigan, PhD in Political Science. In 1957 through 1958 he studied the politics of war at the London School of Economics, giving him one of his numerous lifelong interests while allowing him to spend countless hours wandering through the British Museum and other English museums, another lifelong passion.
Dr. Thompson had several great passions. First was his loving wife Judith and their daughter Polly. Second was his pursuit of scholarship focused on several topics including International Relations and American Government. He was an avid learner of languages from Western European to Japanese and Chinese.
The Thompson family shared a love of music. Everywhere they lived until settling in Columbia they both sang in church and community choirs. He was a former member of the Columbia Mastersingers and Eastminster Choirs.
Dr. Thompson taught at the University of South Carolina from 1970 until retirement. Following retirement, he joyfully returned to teaching in the South Carolina Honors College each semester until August 2016. Over the course of his distinguished career, he received multiple awards from Mortar Board, American Political Science Association and Pi Sigma Alpha. Dr. Thompson rejoiced everyday he was in a classroom of undergraduate students who provided him with great excitement about the future.
A specialist in international relations, Dr. Thompson spent 1983-1984 as a Fulbright Scholar in Beijing, China teaching the American Constitution to students at Beijing University. A prolific author, he published eleven books on a variety of topics in political history and why nations war. His most treasured work was a book of stories hand written for his beloved daughter Polly for Christmas 1977.
Recently, Dr. Thompson returned to an early love of art in drawing and painting and the last class he created but was not able to teach was on Art, Architecture, and Empire. For this course he returned to one of his early interests: architectural drawing. His course syllabus included his own illustrations for the course.
Dr. Thompson was married to Judith Curfman Thompson from 1967. He was the father of the late Pauline Alexandra Thompson. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Jane Curfman and Michael Barrett Hoge of Cincinnati, Ohio as well as nephews, Andrew and Aaron Hoge and niece, Kate Hoge Graham. Also surviving are several cousins and their children.
At this time no service is planned. Dunbar Funeral Home is in charge of the cremation. Memorials may be made to the South Carolina Honors College, 514 Main St, Columbia, SC 29208; the University of South Carolina, 1027 Barnwell Street, Suite 214, Columbia, SC 29208 or www.esri.sc.edu/donations; or a charity of one’s choice.
Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Dunbar Funeral Home - Devine.
April 14, 2017
Eric Baxley
Thank you for all you taught us, Dr. Thompson. The wisdom you imparted to us will neither be wasted nor forgotten.
March 23, 2017
Lill Mood
Judy, my heart has been with you since I read the news of your husband's death. I did not know him and it is evident from his obituary that was my loss!
I am praying for strength and courage for you as you face another loss of one most dear to you.
Love, Lill
March 22, 2017
Judith, I just read your husband's obituary. He was a very accomplished man and you have had fifty years together. I am so sorry for your loss of your husband and the sudden loss of your beautiful daughter, Polly, too. You should come walk our beaches and reflect on all the wonderful memories you have of them. May God continue to hold you close and bless you. Thinking of you with P.E.O. love. Judy Lienemann, Murrells Inlet, SC
March 19, 2017
Carolyn Hudson
Judy, I was so sorry to hear this. I hope you can find comfort in memories and knowing that you were always a loving, supportive wife.
March 19, 2017
Judy, thanks for the comforting talk we had thie morning. In Peace and Love,
Rob Whitford
March 19, 2017
Judy, Please know you are in my prayers. His life is an inspiration. Love Always, Beth West
March 19, 2017
Mark and Trish
Judy,
We are saddened by this news...
our thoughts and good wishes are with you.
Mark Tompkins and Trish Jerman
March 19, 2017
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
March 17, 2017
Judy: Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Ann and Bob Henry
March 16, 2017
Randy Beckett
Judy may you be covered in peace and love. Randy Beckett
March 15, 2017
Friend
Marilyn Stein Underhill
Special love for Judy. It is my most sincere prayer that Rob and Polly are now holding one another. Life is fragile and can only be navigated with prayer. Blessings and PEO love, Marilyn Underhill
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