Obituary
Guest Book
Cecil Ray Thurston, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home in Hadensville, Virginia on December 20, 2024. He was surrounded by his loving family. Born on October 22, 1949, and a lifelong resident of Goochland county, Cecil brought warmth and wisdom to all those fortunate enough to know him. He had a great love for the Lord, his family, playing country music, and the great outdoors (especially coon hunting).
He passed away after a nearly two year battle with lung cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Forest W. Thurston and Lillian C. Thurston; his brothers, Charles W. Thurston and Forest “Butch” Thurston; and his grandson, Forest Andrew Bowles. Cecil is survived by his loving wife, Lois Patton Duke Thurston. He is also survived by daughter, Amy Lynn Thurston (Kevin); son, Mark Aaron Thurston (Jackie); step daughters, Angie Duke-Haynes (Mark), Amy Duke Clark (David); step son, Marvin Glenn “Buddy” Duke (Jessica); grandchildren, Mark II, Morgan, Madison, Jordan, Mason, Chase, Glenn, Mitchell, Marisa, Hannah, Scott, Will, Samantha, and Colt; brother, Bert Thurston; sisters, Elizabeth Bowers (Dan), Sandra Nuckols (Gerry), and Linda Thurston (Alan); and many other loving family members and friends.
A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 PM on Thursday, December 26, at Norman Funeral Home, 2982 River Road West, Goochland, VA 23063. Funeral services will be held at 10 AM, with burial to follow on Friday, December 27, at Mizpah Christian Church, 5257 Old Columbia Road, Goochland, VA 23063. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Calvary Chapel, 3394 River Road West, Goochland, VA 23063, or to a charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2982 River Rd W, Goochland, VA 23063
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more