John Robert "Bobby" Thompson, 70, of Etowah, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family and loved ones on Wednesday, April 27, 2011, after a long illness. A native of McMinn County and a lifelong resident of Etowah, he was a son of Vivian and the late Charles Taylor Thompson and was retired from CSX Railroad. He was a standout athlete at Etowah High School and has a letterman jacket on display at the Etowah Museum. He was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Wanda Jo Thompson; and his father, Charles Taylor Thompson. Survivors include his mother, Vivian Thompson of Etowah; three daughters, Erika Jo Roberts of Vonore, Paige Layman of Etowah, and Alexis Jenkins of Loudon; one brother and sister-in-law, Charles Latham and Harrianne Thompson of Benton; five grandchildren, Lauryn Smith of Cleveland, Larry Jenkins III of Etowah, Burt Jenkins of Loudon, and Nolan and Cole Layman, both of Etowah; his mother-in-law, Zona Simpson of Etowah; one brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jimmy and Joyce Simpson of Ten Mile; and a special friend, Dora Broderick of Etowah.A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church with Pastor Aaron Pierce officiating. Burial will follow in Green Hill Cemetery.

Bordwine Funeral Home of Etowah is in charge of arrangements.