Fred Wolford Thompson, 84, of California, Md., died September 19, 2013 at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.

Mr. Thompson was born Aug. 25, 1929 to George and Ella (Wolford) Thompson, and was reared in Birdsboro, Pa. Fred attended Virginia Polytechnic and State University in Blacksburg, Va., where he earned a degree in ceramic engineering in 1952. Following college, Fred began a professional career with the DuPont Corporation that was interrupted when he was called to active duty with the U.S. Navy. Following active duty, Fred proudly served as an officer in the U.S Navy Reserve, retiring with the rank of commander. After retiring from DuPont, Fred worked as a private consultant to numerous companies in the field of ceramic engineering.

Throughout his college, professional, and military career, Fred was the recipient of numerous awards and citations, serving in leadership roles and as an officer in several academic and professional organizations. He was a member of First Saints Community Church, St. Paul's Campus in Leonardtown, Md., where he enjoyed singing in the choir. He also enjoyed spending time with friends and family, and was an avid golfer.

Survivors include his wife of more than 60 years, Margaret Chambers Thompson; three children, Fred W. Thompson Jr. of Leonardtown Md., Mark C. Thompson of Alexandria Va., and Karen Thompson Herring of Hurlock Md.; and grandchildren Katherine and Andrew Thompson, and Anna and Allison Herring.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 28, 2013 at First Saints Community Church, St. Paul's Campus, 25550 Point Lookout Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Inurnment will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.