Dr. Frederick Nimrod "Roddy" Thompson Jr

Dr. Frederick Nimrod "Roddy" Thompson, Jr., age 73, of Athens, GA, passed away Sunday, December 16, 2012. He was born December 9, 1939 in Newport News, VA to Frances Edwards and Dr. Frederick Nimrod Thompson, Sr. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Leory Edwards Thompson of Newport News, VA.
Roddy received his B.S. from Wake Forest University in 1961 and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia in 1963. After receiving his DVM, he served in the U.S. Army for two years at Fort Mead, MD, rising to the rank of Captain. He also practiced veterinary medicine briefly before pursuing doctoral studies at Iowa State University.
After receiving his Ph.D. in veterinary medicine from Iowa State in 1973, Roddy returned to the University of Georgia where he taught and conducted research in the UGA Veterinary School until his retirement in 2000. He was internationally recognized for his research in understanding the mechanism by which fescue to toxicity, which costs the U.S. cattle industry millions of dollars annually, causes lameness and reduced production efficiency in beef cattle. During his career, Roddy published over 70 manuscripts in scientific journals and numerous book chapters.
Roddy was committed to helping others and therefore enjoyed his involvement in community charities such as Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, Interfaith Hospitality Network, and Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic. He also participated in several mission trips to Mexico through the Presbyterian Church.
Roddy was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening. He was also an avid swimmer, having attended Wake Forest University on a swimming scholarship. He was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, where he served as a church elder.
Roddy is survived by his wife of 50 years, Judy; children, Greg (Kathy) Thomson of Athens, GA and Alison (Phil Mao) Thompson of Brooklyn, NY; grandchildren, Will, Rob, and Kate Thompson of Athens, GA, and Dylan Mao of Brooklyn, NY; sister, Frances Thompson (Jim) McKay of Washington, D.C.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends at Covenant Presbyterian Church from 10 until 11AM on Friday, December 21, 2012 with memorial services at 11AM on Friday at Covenant Presbyterian Church. Pastors Mark Harper and Beecher Mathes will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1065 Gaines School Rd., Athens, GA 30605.
Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, EAST is in charge of arrangements.