Blake Andrew Thompson passed away peacefully on January 18, 2023, at age 65. Born January 11, 1958, in Gainesville, GA, Blake is survived by his parents Robert and Betty Thompson, brother Bryan (Barbara) Thompson, sister Bethany (Martin) Mahon and nephews Benjamin Thompson, Brandon Thompson, and Walker Holloway.
Blake loved his family, friends, sports, music, and travel. He excelled at basketball, tennis, guitar, trumpet, vocals and laughter. Everyone who met Blake remarked about his radiant smile. His remarkable determination, combined with expert care he received at Shepherd Spinal Center enabled him to walk again after suffering a spinal cord injury in 1979. Blake graduated from North Georgia College where he earned a degree in Criminal Justice. He was an Air Traffic Controller at Jacksonville Air Route Traffic Control Center in Hilliard, FL his entire career. Blake retired to his home in Sautee Nacoochee, GA where he enjoyed sharing the spectacular mountain views with friends and family.
Blake returned to the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City as a Non-Radar En Route Air Traffic Control Instructor and delighted in sharing his knowledge and passion with future generations of air traffic controllers. While in Oklahoma City, he suffered a massive stroke and defied medical odds yet again. Smiling through the pain and discomfort without complaint or self-pity, impressing everyone with whom he came into contact along the way, Blake remained positive and persistent throughout years of recovery. His recent relocation close to his parents gave everyone great joy.
A celebration of Blake’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Shepherd Spinal Center, 2020 Peachtree Road, NW, Atlanta, GA 30309-1465, www.shepherd.org/giving/charitable-giving.