Labor chief Bruce Thompson dies at age 59

ATLANTA — Georgia Commissioner of Labor Bruce Thompson died Sunday at the age of 59, eight months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Thompson, a Republican from north Georgia, was elected to head the Labor department in 2022 and took office at the beginning of last year. Before that, he served for eight years in the state Senate.

“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,” Gov. Brian Kemp wrote in a social media post.

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who served alongside Thompson in the Senate before the two won statewide election two years ago, praised his work at the Labor department, which had been buffeted during the pandemic by heavy demand for unemployment compensation.

“He made significant changes to improve work force outcomes for citizens across the state,” Jones said.

Thompson grew up on a farm in Montana and went on to serve six years in the U.S. Army National Guard.

He launched a series of businesses, including two automatic pool cover companies, six insurance agencies, two funeral homes, and several software firms.

At the Labor agency, Thompson championed transparency, customer service, and fiscal responsibility.

He is survived by his wife, Becky, a son, and a daughter.