James Robert "Bob" Thompson, 73, of Franklin, entered into rest on Sunday, June 19, 2005.

A native of Nashville, TN, he was the son of the late William Jackson Thompson and Bertha Saylors Thompson. Bob was a custodian for Nantahala Lumber Co.; a Journeyman Printer for 30 years; a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp.; on May 18, 1953, Bob was at mile 2 for testing Nuclear Blast in Nevada; and was a member of First Baptist Church. On August 7, 2004, Bob and his wife, Mary Ann, celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary, renewing their wedding vows at the First Baptist Church. This was a big highlight in Bob's life.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Ann Thompson; three children, Bruce Wayne Thompson of Warner Robbins, GA, Robert Byron Thompson of Crawfordville, FL and Becky Ruth Thompson of Clyde, NC; one brother, Phillip Ronald Thompson of Los Angeles, CA; seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 23, at First Baptist Church. Rev. Harold Ball, Chaplain Thomas Wanson and Chaplain Kenneth Carpenter will officiate. Burial will be at 2 p.m. in the Black Mountain VA Cemetery with full military graveside rites conducted by the VFW Post 7339 and the American Legion Post 108.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 22, at Macon Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Smokey Mountain Marine Detachment 973, Johnny Waldroop, Bo Kinsland, Jim Ballew, Jack Powell, Dave Alligood, Steve Bush, Tom Howell and Jerry Green.

Memorial donations may be made to Helping Hands of First Baptist Church, 69 Iotla Street, Franklin, NC 28734;Toys for Tots, Marine Corp League, PO Box 1454, Franklin, NC 28744 or Pruett Adult Day Care, PO Box 700, Franklin, NC 28744.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences available @www.maconfuneralhome.com