Obituary for Robert Foy Thompson
Robert Foy Thompson, 85, of Winter Garden, Florida, finished his earthly race and moved to
his Heavenly home on November 17, 2020. Bob was born on June 2, 1935, in Winter Garden,
to T.F. and Willie Thompson. He grew up in Clermont where his family owned a furniture
business and later Circle T Ranch and Groves.
Shortly after graduating from Florida Southern College, Bob began his teaching career with
Orange County Public Schools. He taught at Lakeview High School until it divided and then
moved to the new West Orange High campus. Fondly called “Mr. T,” he taught many local
residents their keyboarding and accounting skills over a span of forty-four years. As chair of
the Business Department, he bonded with fellow teachers at the school and in the county. His
sense of humor brought laughs and unforgettable memories. In addition to teaching, Bob and
his brother, Jerry, were co-owners of Shaw’s Flowers and Gifts in Downtown Winter Garden for
many years.
A devoted Christian, Bob served as a lay-pastor to Methodist churches in Mascot and Center
Hill, followed by twenty years of preaching to the small congregation of the StarLite Drive In
Church in Winter Garden. After Bob’s retirement, he became a member of First United
Methodist Church Winter Garden where he served as an offering counter, substitute Sunday
school teacher and author of sermon reflections. Congregants loved Bob’s humor, warmth,
and caring that came across in the memories and thoughts he shared in the weekly bulletin
articles.
Bob loved everything related to Christmas, especially collecting Santa figurines and Dickens
Village pieces. He was an avid teddy bear collector, loved traveling to the Smoky Mountains
and eating at his favorite restaurants.
There was no doubt that family was the top priority in Bob’s life and he was happiest
surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents,
brother, and son, Thaddaeus Todd Thompson. He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Dixie
Birdsong Thompson, daughter, Susan (Erik) Totera, and grandchildren, Reilly Guhr, Reid Guhr,
Renna Guhr and Gia Stapp-Thompson.
A celebration of of Bob's life will be held on March 5, 2021 at 2:00pm at the Family Church 300 Main St. Windermere, FL 34786 (In the main sanctuary).
Bob's arrangements are in the caring guidance of Winter Oak Funeral Home and Cremations,
1132 E. Plant St. Winter Garden, FL 34787
his Heavenly home on November 17, 2020. Bob was born on June 2, 1935, in Winter Garden,
to T.F. and Willie Thompson. He grew up in Clermont where his family owned a furniture
business and later Circle T Ranch and Groves.
Shortly after graduating from Florida Southern College, Bob began his teaching career with
Orange County Public Schools. He taught at Lakeview High School until it divided and then
moved to the new West Orange High campus. Fondly called “Mr. T,” he taught many local
residents their keyboarding and accounting skills over a span of forty-four years. As chair of
the Business Department, he bonded with fellow teachers at the school and in the county. His
sense of humor brought laughs and unforgettable memories. In addition to teaching, Bob and
his brother, Jerry, were co-owners of Shaw’s Flowers and Gifts in Downtown Winter Garden for
many years.
A devoted Christian, Bob served as a lay-pastor to Methodist churches in Mascot and Center
Hill, followed by twenty years of preaching to the small congregation of the StarLite Drive In
Church in Winter Garden. After Bob’s retirement, he became a member of First United
Methodist Church Winter Garden where he served as an offering counter, substitute Sunday
school teacher and author of sermon reflections. Congregants loved Bob’s humor, warmth,
and caring that came across in the memories and thoughts he shared in the weekly bulletin
articles.
Bob loved everything related to Christmas, especially collecting Santa figurines and Dickens
Village pieces. He was an avid teddy bear collector, loved traveling to the Smoky Mountains
and eating at his favorite restaurants.
There was no doubt that family was the top priority in Bob’s life and he was happiest
surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents,
brother, and son, Thaddaeus Todd Thompson. He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Dixie
Birdsong Thompson, daughter, Susan (Erik) Totera, and grandchildren, Reilly Guhr, Reid Guhr,
Renna Guhr and Gia Stapp-Thompson.
A celebration of of Bob's life will be held on March 5, 2021 at 2:00pm at the Family Church 300 Main St. Windermere, FL 34786 (In the main sanctuary).
Bob's arrangements are in the caring guidance of Winter Oak Funeral Home and Cremations,
1132 E. Plant St. Winter Garden, FL 34787