Dr. David Joseph Thompson, 78, of Columbia, died Wednesday, November 8, 2023. Born March 24, 1945, in Owensboro, Kentucky, he was a son of the late Robert and Hazel Perkins Thompson.

Dr. Thompson received his undergraduate degree from Brescia College in Owensboro, KY, and would later earn his master's degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI, and PhD from University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI. For a short while, Dr. Thompson worked as a professor at the University of Louisville before joining the VA Hospital system in Temple, TX, as an Audiologist. In 1983, he relocated to Columbia, SC, where he enjoyed a career that spanned for over three decades at William Jennings Bryan Dorn Veterans Affairs Medical Center. At his retirement, Dr. Thompson was Chief of the Audiology and Speech Pathology department.

He was a member of The Basilica of Saint Peter where he was ordained as a Deacon by the Catholic Diocese of Charleston on May 19, 2007. During his tenure as a Deacon, he served the church under Monsignor Leigh Lehocky and Father Gary Linsky. Of all of Dr. Thompson's accomplishments, he considered his family the most significant. He adored them all and especially cherished the 53 years of marriage to his wife, Judith Mary Thompson, whom he loved deeply.

Surviving in addition to his wife are his children, Dr. Leigh Jones (Mark) of Columbia, Joshua David Thompson (Lindsey) of Buellton, CA, and Zachary James Thompson of Charleston, SC; granddaughters, Katherine and Kelsey Jones; sisters, Selma Kay Thompson of Denver, CO and Evanna McBride (Billy) of Owensboro, KY. Dr. Thompson also leaves behind numerous other extended family he loved on his wife's side, and dear friends and constituents.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Dr. Thompson will be held at 10 o'clock on Tuesday, November 14th, at The Basilica of Saint Peter, 1529 Assembly St., Columbia, SC. The Very Rev. Canon Gary S. Linsky, V.F., V.P. and Father William Frei will be officiating. Final Commendation and Farewell Prayers will be said following the service at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery, 501 Elmwood Ave, Columbia SC.

A Vigil service & Rosary service led by his fellow deacons will begin at 5 o'clock Monday evening, with visitation to follow until 7 o'clock, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to The Basilica of Saint Peter, Daughters of Saint Paul, 50 St. Paul's Ave, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 (daughtersofstpaul.com), or Poor Clare Sisters, c/o Monastery of Saint Clare, 37 McCauley Rd., Travelers Rest , SC 29690 (poorclaresc.com).