BERNIE FRANKLIN THOMPSON JR's Obituary
Bernie Franklin Thompson, Jr., 91, passed peacefully from his home here on earth to his heavenly abode on Friday, August 5th, 2016
He was born in Inverness Florida on July 14th, 1925, the son of Burnie and Eva Thompson. His parents and his two sisters, Edna Pruitt and Mildred Scheerer were there to greet him as he entered the Kingdom of Heaven
As a young boy Bernie was nicknamed “Tommy”, a name he would be known as by his friends and one he would use professionally throughout his career. But he will always be affectionately known by his family as “Uncle B”.
He graduated from Miami High School, shortly after which he joined the US Navy. He was only seventeen but he was ready and willing, just not quite able to join the effort of World War II. Only after pleading with his father to sign for his early entry was he able to join the Navy. Being a native Floridian and an excellent swimmer the Navy tried their best to enlist him as a “frogman: but he wanted to fly planes. He became a Navy aviator/gunner and served aboard several aircraft carriers in the South Pacific: USS Bunker Hill, USS Essex and Escort Carrier USS Rudyard Bay to name a few. He was so proud to have served his country during World War II. He was honorably discharged on July 18th, 1946.
When he returned home from his service one of his buddies introduced him to the love of his life, Katharine Jamesson Thompson. This August 26th they would have been married sixty-nine years.
In his professional life Tommy (Bernie) was a commercial artist. He had many high profile clients but he would best be known for the original Coppertone ad. In November 1953 Tommy Thompson, then art director for Talley Embry Art Agency who handled the Coppertone account, was asked to create an effective sales campaign. Tommy, with pencil in hand and a two year old daughter at home, drew the original layout and the “Coppertone Cutie” was born.
Bernie was a devout Christian, always a leader in his church, chairman of the Deacons, and Sunday school teacher. But, he wanted to serve a greater purpose so after graduating Seminary College he was ordained as a Baptist Minister.
He is survived by his wife Katharine, daughters Lisa Corey and Linda Parks, son Tom Thompson, grandchildren Camden and Cameron Parks, Richard and Jarred Corey, Dalton Thompson, Susanne Willis, his nephew Bill Pruitt and nieces Francis McGraw and Susie Hillbauer and their extended families.
There will be a viewing on Wednesday Evening August 10th from 6-9 PM at Van Orsdel Funeral Chapel, 11220 North Kendall drive, Miami, FL. 33176. A service will be held on Thursday August 11th at 11:00 AM at Wayside Baptist Church, 7701 SW 98th Street, Miami, FL. 33156. Interment will follow at Miami Memorial Park, 6200 SW 77th Avenue, Miami, FL 33143.
What’s your fondest memory of BERNIE?
What’s a lesson you learned from BERNIE?
Share a story where BERNIE's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with BERNIE you’ll never forget.
How did BERNIE make you smile?
