Dr. William Sims Thurman

Asheville - Dr. William Sims Thurman, 87, passed away on March 9, 2019.

Born in Paris, France on March 17, 1931, Bill obtained his Masters and Doctorate in Classics from the University of Texas. Proficient in many languages, he loved books and teaching. After positions at Winthrop University and the Harvard Center for Byzantine Studies (Dumbarton Oaks), he accepted a professorship at Asheville-Biltmore College (later UNC-Asheville) where he began the Classics Department in 1967. Bill taught at UNC-A for many years, but pursued multiple other interests including hiking, building, dancing, sailing, singing, animal husbandry, writing, politics, alternative energy, inventing, and theology. A wordsmith and punster, he continued to share his passion for Hebrew, Greek and Latin in retirement.

Bill is survived by his wife, Susan Wright Thurman, and by his children, Sharon Thurman Freeman (Mike), William David Thurman (Mary Beth), Robert Daniel Thurman, Jonathan Michael Thurman (Astghik) Alexander Paul Arthur Thurman, Stephanie Carolyn Thurman (Aaron), and Celia Tabitha Thurman. He leaves twelve grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

The family is grateful to Asheville Health Care Center and its staff for their excellent care.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 16, 2019 in the chapel of Morris Funeral Home, 304 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

Contributions in his honor may be made to Samaritan's Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

Morris Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent through the website www.morrisfamilyfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Asheville Citizen-Times on Mar. 13, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for William Thurman

Sponsored by Morris Funeral & Cremation Care - Asheville.

13 Entries

Jan Jones

March 7, 2025

Bill was very influential in my life. I sat under his teaching Bible study class at the cottage for around 18 years with wonderful Christian friends, Susan fixed great snacks for us after our class, those were precious days and I´ll always be grateful for his wisdom and guidance he imparted to me. He is greatly missed

Jan Jones

March 7, 2020

I was thinking of Bill today missing our Shabbat study services we had for years in the Cottage he taught me so much he is so missed here but Im certain He is exploring heavens wonders.

Calvin Koomey

February 25, 2020

Bill and I were classmates at the University of Texas during 1959-1961 in the Classical Languages Department. We were pals. BI'll was a true scholar and a good Christian man. I haven't had contact with Bill since 1961. I would like to express my belated sympathy to Susan and all of the family. Calvin Koomey

Jan Jones

May 21, 2019

May his memory be for a blessing. Bill was a great friend & teacher, I enjoyed sitting under his teaching on Shabbat for many years, I will miss him greatly

Megan Hack

March 18, 2019

Deepest sympathy to Susan and all the Wright/Thurman family-----Megan Hack

connie scotchie

March 17, 2019

susan dear i am sad, bill offered so much joy to this world, a world in need of more bill thurmans. how i loved hearing about lady bill had a way with dogs and lady thrived having bill as her daddy. my
sympathy.

March 16, 2019

Dr. Thurman was one of my very favorite professors at UNCA. He was an amazing educator and human being. My deepest sympathy to his friends and family.
Anne Alley

Jeff & Marilyn Williams

March 14, 2019

So very very sorry. I miss seeing Bill out & about piddling around the home. I'm glad that we became very good neighbors. You all take care and just let us know if there is anything we can do. Love to you all - Jeff & Marilyn

Jean Shearouse

March 13, 2019

To the family of Dr. William S. Thurman:

Just wanted to send you all this short note to let you all know that you all are in my thoughts & in my PRAYERS every day & especially at this difficult time.
MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL ALWAYS & KEEP YOU ALL IN HIS LOVING CARE. I also wanted to let you all know that I have known Sharon ( Thurman) Freeman for many years ( ever since we were in grade school & all of the way through Asheville High School ( 1974)

LOVE IN CHRIST, JEAN SHEAROUSE

John

March 13, 2019

To you the family, I am sorry to hear the news about your loss. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn" sustain your family during this challenging time. Isaiah 61:1,2

March 13, 2019

Bill was one of a kind, gentle, humorous and always an entertaining character. I enjoyed working with him very much and I am sure there are legions of students who benefitted from his teaching and friendship.
My condolences to the entire Thurman family.
Larry Wilson, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Interim Chancellor at UNCA.

Arnold Wengrow

March 13, 2019

Bill was one of the "pioneers" at what is now the University of North Carolina at Asheville. He was a passionate teacher and scholar who cared deeply about his students.

Steve and Ann Marie Hope

March 12, 2019

So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was always kind to us and was such an interesting person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

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