1951
Garry
2007
Garry Dale Thurman
December 1, 1951 — April 20, 2007
Listen to Obituary
Garry Dale Thurman age 55 of Snow Creek died at his home on Friday, April 20, 2007.
Garry lent his nickname “Hillbilly” to the “Hillbilly Poker Run” a motorcycle riding event that has been held for the past three years. This event has raised $25,000 for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life and at Garry’s request, the event will be continued.
Garry faced his three year long fight with esophageal cancer with grace, dignity and courage. He had a special place in his heart for all children, his family, “the boys”, his friends, his farm and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was happiest on the back of his Harley. Garry’s loyal devotion to family, friends and community, sense of humor and honesty are the legacy left to all he knew.
He was born in Redwood, Virginia on December 1, 1951 to the late Albert and Doris Thurman.
He was also preceded in death by a brother, J.B. Thurman.
Surviving are his wife of 34 years, Donna Oakes Thurman; his daughter and son-in-law Nicole and Wayne Lawrence and “The Boys” Oreo and Bandit all of Snow Creek; his brothers Swanson and Linda Thurman and Ravon and Nancy Thurman; “The Sisters”, Mary Thurman and K.J. Johnson, Maggie and Billy Wayne Dudley and Kaye Thurman; his extended family, which includes his mother-in-law, Ruby Mae Oakes, brothers-in-law, Steve and Delores Oakes, and David Oakes, his farming partner and brother-in-law, Terry and Rita Oakes; sisters-in-laws Patty and Butch Deatherage and Kathy and Tony Hatchett; his best friend and riding partner. He is also survived by his beloved nieces, nephews, special friends and riding partners, P.T. Koger and Wayne Crider.
Memorial services will be conducted from Flora Funeral Chapel Sunday at 3:00 P.M. with Rick Poland, Kevin Keigley and Steve Wright officiating.
His family will receive friends Saturday from 5 – 7 p.m. at Flora Funeral Service, 665 South Main Street, Rocky Mount.
Garry requested donations be made to Carilion Medical Center for Children, Pediatric Oncology at 101 Elm Ave. SE, Roanoke, VA. 24013 or American Cancer Society Relay for Life c/o Cynthia Oakes, 7875 Snow Creek Rd., Penhook, VA. 24137.
Garry lent his nickname “Hillbilly” to the “Hillbilly Poker Run” a motorcycle riding event that has been held for the past three years. This event has raised $25,000 for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life and at Garry’s request, the event will be continued.
Garry faced his three year long fight with esophageal cancer with grace, dignity and courage. He had a special place in his heart for all children, his family, “the boys”, his friends, his farm and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was happiest on the back of his Harley. Garry’s loyal devotion to family, friends and community, sense of humor and honesty are the legacy left to all he knew.
He was born in Redwood, Virginia on December 1, 1951 to the late Albert and Doris Thurman.
He was also preceded in death by a brother, J.B. Thurman.
Surviving are his wife of 34 years, Donna Oakes Thurman; his daughter and son-in-law Nicole and Wayne Lawrence and “The Boys” Oreo and Bandit all of Snow Creek; his brothers Swanson and Linda Thurman and Ravon and Nancy Thurman; “The Sisters”, Mary Thurman and K.J. Johnson, Maggie and Billy Wayne Dudley and Kaye Thurman; his extended family, which includes his mother-in-law, Ruby Mae Oakes, brothers-in-law, Steve and Delores Oakes, and David Oakes, his farming partner and brother-in-law, Terry and Rita Oakes; sisters-in-laws Patty and Butch Deatherage and Kathy and Tony Hatchett; his best friend and riding partner. He is also survived by his beloved nieces, nephews, special friends and riding partners, P.T. Koger and Wayne Crider.
Memorial services will be conducted from Flora Funeral Chapel Sunday at 3:00 P.M. with Rick Poland, Kevin Keigley and Steve Wright officiating.
His family will receive friends Saturday from 5 – 7 p.m. at Flora Funeral Service, 665 South Main Street, Rocky Mount.
Garry requested donations be made to Carilion Medical Center for Children, Pediatric Oncology at 101 Elm Ave. SE, Roanoke, VA. 24013 or American Cancer Society Relay for Life c/o Cynthia Oakes, 7875 Snow Creek Rd., Penhook, VA. 24137.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Garry Dale Thurman, please visit our flower store.
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