Rick Thurman Sr.

Rick Thurman, Sr., 64, of Cleveland passed away on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at his residence. He was of the Baptist faith. He was a plumber and had worked at Bradley Memorial Hospital, a veteran of the U.S. Army, a 32nd Degree Mason, and a 1968 graduate of Bradley Central High School. He was a reserve officer for the Bradley County Sheriff’s office for 25 years and worked with the 10th Judicial Drug Task Force. He loved hunting, fishing, boating, and traveling.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Charles Everett Thurman and Rena Hyde Thurman.

He is survived by his wife of 13 years, Sharon Thurman; two daughters: Fonda Ware and husband Robin, and Lisa Brown all of Cleveland; two sons: Rickey C. Thurman, Jr., of Cleveland and Kelly Thurman and wife Peggy of Chatsworth, GA; two step-daughters: Nicki Rutledge of Cleveland, and Shawna Defriece and husband Chad of Clearmont, FL; eleven grandchildren: Ashley Ledford, Bradley Ledford, Leann Newton, Keith Ledford, Heath Ledford, Madison Thurman, Shelly Hedden, Kassie Hedden, Autumn Rutledge, Cory Rutledge, and Ashton Defriece; four great-grandchildren: Colton Green, Lena Ledford, Laynee Ledford, and Logan Ledford; one sister: Brenda Thurman Singelmann of Metairie, LA; one brother: Larry Kaylor of Cleveland; several nieces and nephews; and special pets: Shaggy and Sofie.

A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 13, 2013 in the chapel of Ralph Buckner Funeral Home with Dr. Jerry DeVane officiating. Military honors and a white dove release ceremony will conclude the service.

His family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 12, 2013 at the funeral home.

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Thurman family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.