Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson has died, the Georgia Department of Labor announced Monday. Thompson’s death comes just eight months after an announcement that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He was 59.
“While his entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment to excellence will be deeply missed, Commissioner Thompson’s greatest legacy lies in his ability to foster a culture of family and belonging for those who worked alongside him,” a statement on the Georgia Department of Labor website reads.
Thompson, born and raised on a farm in Montana, became Georgia’s tenth Commissioner of Labor on January 12 of 2023.
Thompson was a U.S. Army veteran and a successful businessman with two automatic pool cover businesses, six insurance agencies, two funeral homes and several software companies. He also served as personnel chairman and member of the Vision team for his church, as well as a volunteered on several boards – including the SBA Advisory Board, Insurance Commission Advisory Board, Truett McConnell University, Reinhardt University, First National Community Bank and Etowah Scholarship Foundation.
Thompson was elected to the Georgia State Senate in 2013. During his time as a senator, he served as Chairman of the Science and Technology Committee, the Veterans and Homeland Security Committee and the Economic Development and Tourism Committee. He authored several pieces of legislation – including the “Heartbeat bill” – and was named “Legislator of the Year” more than once.
“His tenure at the Department of Labor was marked by a renewed focus on transparency, responsiveness, and fiscal responsibility – values he championed with his trademark determination and integrity,” the department’s statement reads.
It goes on to say: “Bruce’s leadership was rooted in a profound belief: no person is too small, no challenge is too great, and no cause is too far gone. With the spirit of a fighter but the compassion required of a strong faith, Bruce was known as a mentor to many in the business community and political arena.”
A successor will be appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp and serve the remainder of Thompson’s four-year term until 2027.
“A successful businessman and respected leader of his community, Bruce was a passionate voice for what he believed in throughout his years of service to the people of Georgia,” Kemp said in a statement. “We are thankful to that commitment to our state, and, like so many others, have been inspired the strength and courage he showed over the past year in his fight against cancer.”
Thompson leaves behind his wife Becky, daughter Faith, and son, Max.
