Eric Phillip "Buck" Thompson

North Augusta, SC – Memorial Services for Mr. Eric P. “Buck” Thompson, 82, who entered into rest June 20, 2023, will be conducted Friday afternoon at 1 o’clock in the Posey Funeral Chapel with Dr. Stephen Cutchins, Dr. Randy Cooper, and Rev. Craig Baynham officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service from 12 until 1 o’clock. Mr. Thompson was born September 14, 1940, to the late Wilbert Thompson and Kathleen Graham Thompson. He was a lifelong resident of North Augusta and graduated from North Augusta High School. Mr. Thompson was a member of First Baptist Church of North Augusta and retired as Executive Director of the Lower Savannah Council of Governments in Aiken. Throughout his career he was a natural leader and visionary, bringing individuals, local and state governments, together to improve the lives of citizens of all ages. Mr. Thompson played an integral role in each project in which he was involved, however one of his proudest career achievements was the formation of the Three Rivers Solid Waste Authority, a nine-county solid waste management agency that promotes efficient and environmentally responsible waste handling disposal. In his retirement, he continued to serve on local boards and organizations who sought his guidance to solve local problems. Upon his retirement he was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian honor awarded by the Governor of South Carolina to persons who demonstrate extraordinary lifetime achievement, service, and contributions of national and statewide significance. Mr. Thompson was active in his community and had a passion for living life to its fullest. From a young age he was an aviation enthusiast and later became licensed as a private and commercial pilot. His desire to serve others, coupled with his love for flying, led him to organize the Sun Down Patrol. This organization served as a civilian search and rescue team, which aided the Coast Guard and other agencies in assisting boaters and fishermen in emergency situations which saved many lives through the years. Mr. Thompson had an affinity for the water and loved his time spent at Clarks Hill with his family. He was also a talented skier and even participated in a Cypress Gardens Water Ski Show in Florida. On his 70th birthday, he flew his plane, barefoot skied, and played golf all on the same day. Mr. Thompson’s greatest passion was the game of golf. He had a love for the game and enjoyed every moment he spent on the golf course. Mr. Thompson’s last round of golf was one week ago, when he suffered a heart attack while playing at the River Club in North Augusta. He was doing what he loved when the Lord needed him home in heaven. Surviving family members left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife of 56 years, Carol Thompson; two sons, Scotty (Tonia) Thompson of North Augusta, SC; Andy (Missy) Thompson of North Augusta, SC, and; five grandchildren, Morgan Thompson, Madison Thompson, Taylor (Ben) Smith, Brooklyn Thompson, and Drew Thompson; and a sister, Faye (Holt) Grantham of Aiken, SC. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of North Augusta, 625 Georgia Avenue, North Augusta, SC 29841 or to a charity of one’s choice.

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Eric Phillip "Buck" Thompson

September 14, 1940 - June 20, 2023