SANDSTON, Va. — Retired Maj. Gen. Carroll Thackston, the Adjutant General of Virginia from July 1994 to September 1998, passed away Feb. 17, 2013, at Lynchburg General Hospital at the age of 79.
“The Commonwealth has lost a great Virginian,” said Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia. “He was a highly respected and admired general officer, and he remained a strong supporter of men and women in uniform in his retirement. Personally, he provided a great deal of advice and support to me since I became the adjutant general. We will miss him, and our thoughts, prayers and sympathies go out to his family.”
Thackston graduated from the Virginia Military Institute and served in the Army Reserve in the first years of his military career. His first assignment with the Virginia National Guard was with the 1173rd Transportation Company where he served as detachment commander and company commander. He also served as the inspector general and commanded the 116th Support Battalion from November 1977 to March 1980.
From March 1983 to December 1986 he served as the state military personnel officer, then as chief of staff from December 1986 to September 1989. He was the assistant adjutant general from September 1989 to June 1993, and then served as the adjutant general from July 1994 to September 1998.
After he left the Virginia Guard, Thackston was very active in his community and served on the town council and as mayor of South Boston.
Here is a statement from Governor Bob McDonnell on the Passing of Retired Major General Carroll Thackston:
“With the passing of Major General Carroll Thackston, Virginia has lost a true patriot and a dedicated public servant. Major General Thackston dedicated his life to helping protect and serve others, from his six years of active duty in the United State Army, to his 35 years in the Virginia National Guard during which he was appointed to the top position by Governor George Allen, and then his public service as a town councilman and mayor of South Boston after his retirement. Major General Thackston also focused on helping others in his civilian life, having a long career as a human resources manager for Daystrom Furniture.
“Our administration was fortunate to have been able to benefit from his counsel and wisdom during our transition to the governor’s office. Major General Thackston offered his expertise to guide in the selection of the current Adjutant General, and helped ensure that the transition of Virginia’s National Guard command was seamless as a member of my transition team. I know he was also a valuable resource for Major General Long and we appreciated his continued dedication to the Virginia National Guard.
“Virginia is blessed to have so many strong and dedicated public servants among its citizens, but some, such as Major General Thackston, truly stand out. He demonstrated to us all that a career in public service and a dedication to one’s fellow man can make a lasting difference in the lives of all Virginians.”
