Sgt. Maj. William Dale Thompson

Sgt. Maj. William Dale Thompson, 78 passed away peacefully in his home on January 12, 2017 after a 17 year long courageous battle against Parkinson Disease. Dale was born in Shreveport, LA. On June 23, 1938. While on recruiting duty in New Orleans, LA he met the love of his life, Bonnie, his wife of 48 years. Dale was a highly decorated Marine. Earnings included: Purple Heart Medal; Good conduct medal with 5 stars; Marine Corps Expeditionary medal; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service medal with 3 stars; Vietnam Campaign medal with device; Meritorious mast; combat action Ribbon; Presidential unit citation with 2 stars; Navy Commendation medal with star 4 IV; Navy achievement medal with 1 star; Expert Rifle Badge, M-14. In his service in Vietnam 1965, 1967, 1970, 1971, He was in infantry leader. While on recruiting duty in New Orleans he earned the distinguished honor of recruiter of the year in 1973. Dale and Bonnie were flown to Washington D.C. to attend the sunset parade in Dale's honor. He retired from the Marine Corps in 1987. Dale and Bonnie moved to Cocoa Beach in 2000. A friend to all, during his life he earned his degree in safety engineering at Delgato Junior College in New Orleans, LA. He also attended USL of Louisiana (Students of geology). Following retirement he managed Scotty's hardware store. He also owned 3 video/movie stores and also owned Rhode House Restaurant in Lake County, FL. He was involved in the International Rotary Club. He was an officer of the DAV space coast chapter 123 in Merritt Island, FL. He was a member of the VFW in Cocoa Beach, FL as well as a member of the Tides club and yacht club at Patrick Air Force Base. He enjoyed playing football in high school as a defensive back and also played in college. He also ran on the track team in high school. He loved fishing and cooking and enjoyed the movie theater. He sang in the centenary college choir in Shreveport LA. He enjoyed singing in Church Choirs and a canter in many. He loved the gym and also enjoyed dancing with his wife. Dale and Bonnie especially enjoyed their R.V. travelling. Dale had a 200 + average in bowling. Dale is preceded in death by his mother Mary Elva Cooper and his Father Claude Holland. Dale is survived by his loving wife of 48 years Bonnie Thompson, of Cocoa Beach, Son William Dale Thompson Jr. of Orlando, FL. and his daughter Terri Lynn Smith of Cocoa Beach, FL., grandson Zane Smith of Cocoa Beach, FL., brother Mark Thompson, Zachary, LA., sister Pam Ray of Austin, TX., sister, Susan Tuten of Rustin, LA., and aunts and uncles that he held dear. A celebration of life will be held at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Community in Indialantic FL, 3050 hwy A1A, Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at 11:00 am with full military honors. A luncheon reception will follow immediately following services. The family is requesting patriotic colors such as red, white, or blue or all. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Michael J. Fox.org or dav.org Arrangements are being made by Beckman Williamson Funeral Home in Cocoa Beach.