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BORN
1940
DIED
2024
Reginald Thurley Obituary
April 15, 1940 – June 8, 2024
Bakersfield – Reginald Henry Thurley, age 84, passed away in his home on June 8, 2024 surrounded by his family. Born April 15, 1940 in Newbury, England, Reg lived a full and exciting life. He immigrated to the US in 1976 and worked for a brief time in New Mexico before moving to California and eventually settling in Bakersfield. Reg spent his latter years in downtown Bakersfield with his wife Michelle.
Reginald was a man of many talents and passions. He was well known for running the Circle Café along with his buddy Steve Thompson in Newbury. He also managed the first motorway service station in the UK at Leigh Delamere and ran the Soho Inn at Studley in Wiltshire for a few years before immigrating to the US.
He enjoyed being a race car driver with many sponsorships one being Pass & Co Ford of Newbury, where his love for speed and competition shone brightly. His charm and charisma made him a smooth-talking salesman, and his keen business acumen turned him into a savvy business owner respected by many. His most successful businesses were Quality Meat Company and Sun State Racing.
Reginald was preceded in death by his parents, Reginald Thurley and Mabel Morris Thurley, as well as his brothers, Douglas Peter Thurley, John Thurley, Paul Thurley, and his sisters, Betty Smart, Anne Belton, and Jan Davey. He is survived by his loving wife, Michelle Thurley, and his children Sharon Thurley and husband Julian Miller, Jacqueline Rees, Fletcher Thurley and wife Angela Thurley, Brooke Thurley, and Shelby Thurley. He also leaves behind his stepson Nicholas Sturm, grandchildren Zoe Thurley, Quinn Dimaya-Thurley and wife Jocelyn Dimaya-Thurley, James Miller, Abby Miller, and Jared Rees, and great-grandchildren Averie Alarcon and Simone Dimaya-Thurley. Additionally, he is remembered fondly by numerous loving nieces and nephews.
Outside of his professional life, Reginald had a zest for living life to the fullest. He was passionate about Formula 1, spending time on his boat, socializing with friends and family, and enjoying a good scotch paired with a fine cigar.
A gathering to celebrate Reg's life will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. at Wool Growers. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to your favorite local animal shelter in his name.
Reginald Henry Thurley will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. His legacy of passion, charm, and business prowess will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to be part of his remarkable journey.
www.bakersfield.com/obits
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Memories and Condolences
for Reginald Thurley
Jason Duque, Medford Oregon
August 6, 2025
Oí Reg... guess we´re not getting together when I´m in town next week.
Sue Kizer
June 13, 2024
Reginald Thurley was one of a kind!! They broke the mold after they made him!!!
what a character..
I don´t think he ever met a stranger, Because once you met him, usually in no time at all, you were friends...
He was always ready to go!
No matter where or when , he was the first one out the door!
Reg and Michelle loved and enjoyed their family and friends , and having everyone over for a get together... BBQ ,
Food and drink, great conversation-laughing -lots of jokes.... Everyone was welcome...
Holidays, you were welcomed into their home!
His glass of single malt! -
glass of wine, and of course his stogies with his buddies!
I am Reg´s mother-in-law...Sue ... and one of the last few sentences he said to me recently...
He gave me an insult and a compliment in the same few words!
We were talking about his feet being swollen, and he looked down at me and said....
You have big feet!
I looked at him and said My feet are the same size as Michelle´s feet...
he said... You have pretty feet!!!
I said, Thank you, Reg!!
Everyone has so many memories of ...
Reginald Henry Thurley!
We will all miss you Reg... Enjoy where you are going.. Hopefully you will have a Birds Eye view of your races!
"CHEERS REG"
Hays Roberta
June 12, 2024
So sorry to hear about your dad´s passing,Shelby. He was a larger than life type of man who left an impression on the lives of those who knew him! Our hearts & prayers go out to you & your family Mike & Roberta Hays
Marissa Machado
June 12, 2024
I will always remember Reg with a cigar and a big smile after a well landed joke. He was one of a kind
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Arelys Perez
June 11, 2024
To my beloved Brooxie and all the Thurley´s. Desi and I send you our love and deepest condolences. It´s absolutely beautiful that you are together as a family in this moment. May Reginald´s 84yrs of incredible life continue to bring his people together in love. I know he will be celebrated. I raise my glass in his honor and to the Thurley´s . May he rest in heavenly peace. Big squeeze, your Poodle.
Ron Bishow
June 11, 2024
I have some great memories with him
One of my favorite ones is when we just met when we were on E dock and he crawled
Into the Lazarte of my Ericson to help change the fuel filters because I was to big to fit in the hatch
Love Reg. We miss him
Sail on my Freind.
Vance M Brooking
June 11, 2024
My name is Vance Brooking.
I am a dear friend of Brooke.
I unfortunately never had the pleasure of meeting Reginald in person but I felt as though I knew him through Brooke. With Brooke constantly recounting so many fond memories, he clearly led an impressive and impassioned life, especially his love of cars, which Brooke and I so enthusiastically share. I think we shall hit the race track in his honour one day in the near future. The man is legendary.
My deepest condolences to the Thurley clan, as I know how cherished he was.
With much love,
Vance.
Angela Thurley
June 11, 2024
Angela Thurley
June 11, 2024
Angela Thurley
June 11, 2024
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