John W. "Bill" Thrasher

John W. "Bill" Thrasher, 80, died on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Tennessee State Veterans Home in Humboldt, Tennessee.
Born Tuesday, May 8, 1945, in Dyersburg, Tennessee, he was the son of the late Carl Thrasher and the late Edna Morrow Thrasher.

Bill was a proud United States Navy veteran who served his country honorably during the Vietnam War. He was assigned to the USS Sumner County, and anyone who knew Bill understood how much his service meant to him. He carried great pride in his time in the Navy, often sharing stories of those days while keeping in close touch with the friends he made along the way. Those bonds remained dear to him throughout his life, and he treasured every visit and memory they shared.

Bill was a retired industrial mechanic, a profession that reflected his strong work ethic and dedication. He took pride in his work and the life he built through it.

In his younger years, Bill enjoyed hunting-especially rabbit and squirrel-finding great joy in the outdoors. As time passed, his love for nature turned to fishing, which became one of his greatest passions. He spent many days along the Mississippi River, but his favorite place was Kentucky Lake. It was there that he created countless memories with family and friends. Many of those special moments were spent alongside his beloved wife, the two of them enjoying peaceful hours together sharing life's simple joys.

Bill was known for his love of a good, shiny Dodge truck and for always carrying his daddy's pocket knife-kept in his pocket and sharpened to perfection. These simple things reflected the man he was: steady, proud, and rooted in tradition.

Above all, Bill's greatest love was his family. He loved deeply and wholeheartedly, always putting those he cared for first. He had a special way with children-they naturally gravitated toward him-and his grandchildren were especially dear to his heart. He delighted in spoiling them just a little, and they will forever cherish those memories and his delicious biscuits and gravy.

In his quieter moments, Bill enjoyed watching Western movies and was a devoted fan of the Grit Channel, often finding comfort in those classic stories.

Graveside services for Mr. Thrasher will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Fairview Cemetery in Newbern, Tennessee. Officiating the service will be Mr. Scott Foster. Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until 12:30 PM on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Johnson-Williams Funeral Home in Newbern, Tennessee.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Wanda Wilson Thrasher of Newbern, Tennessee; two sons, Rusty Thrasher (Shelly) of Newbern, Tennessee and Ross Maldonado (Charlotte Lee) of Dyersburg, Tennessee; one sister, Paulette Johnson (Billy) of Clifton, Tennessee and he was "Pop" to his five grandchildren, Alli Stewart (Jacob), Ashten Granner (Matt), Taylor Maldonado, Kaylee Maldonado and George Robert Vaughn and two great grandchildren, Ada Linn Stewart and Walker Joseph Granner.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, George "Buddy" Thrasher and Thomas Ray Thrasher and two sisters, Laverne Tucker and Helen Hart.

Honoring Mr. Thrasher as pallbearers will be George Robert Vaughn, Jacob Stewart, Jeff Hart, Matt Granner, Scott Foster, and Wade Perry. Honorary pallbearers will be Eddie Ray Wilson, Dorman Beard, and Jack Tucker.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that memorial contributions be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105-9959.

Online condolences may be made to the family at johnson-williamsfuneralhome.com. Johnson-Williams Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of John W. "Bill" Thrasher.