Robert Smith Thompson PHD

1937 - 2017

Robert Smith Thompson PHD obituary, 1937-2017, Columbia, SC

FUNERAL HOME

Dunbar Funeral Home - Devine

3926 Devine St

Columbia, South Carolina

Robert Thompson Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 15, 2017.

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.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Thompson

Sponsored by Dunbar Funeral Home - Devine.

What is your first memory of Robert?

Share a favorite memory you have of Robert.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Robert.

Describe a time when Robert made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Robert?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Robert.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Robert.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Robert.

What is something you learned from Robert?

Not sure what to say?

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

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results

Make a Donation
in Robert Thompson's name

Memorial Events
for Robert Thompson

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Dunbar Funeral Home - Devine

3926 Devine St, Columbia, SC 29205

How to support Robert's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Robert Thompson's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more