Rex H. "Hank" Thurmond IV

Rex H. Thurmond IV, 57, affectionately known to many as "Hank," died Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Williamson Medical Center in Franklin, Tennessee. A dedicated Community Outreach Director for the Next Response Foundation, Hank devoted his life to serving and connecting with others while passionately advocating for mental health awareness and support.

Hank was a storyteller at heart-whether behind the microphone podcasting, behind the lens capturing his favorite places and people, or with pen in hand writing down his thoughts, he found deep joy in connecting with others. He also had a deep passion for studying Viking history and searching the past for answers to modern issues.

More than any title or hobby, Hank cherished being "PawPaw" above all. Time spent with his grandchildren brought him his greatest joy. Whether telling them stories of his adventures, sharing joy in his favorite places, or simply sharing a laugh, his presence was steady, warm, and always full of love.

He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, creativity, and commitment to community. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.

A Celebration of Life service for Hank will be held at 7:00 PM on Friday, April 25, 2025, in the Chapel of Johnson-Williams Funeral Home. Officiating the service will be Rev. Eddie Martin. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Johnson-Williams Funeral Home.

He is survived by his son, Quinton Thurmond of Newbern, Tennessee; his daughter, Taylor Thurmond of Chattanooga, Tennessee; his mother, Carol Clark Harris (Mike) of Dyersburg, Tennessee; his uncle, Glenn Richard Thurmond (Madeline) of Memphis, Tennessee; his brother, Chris Thurmond (Pennye) of Dyersburg, Tennessee; and two brothers by choice, Tim Castellaw of Nashville, Tennessee, and Todd Nichols of Franklin, Tennessee. He was "PawPaw Hank" to his two grandchildren, Aubree Thurmond and Charlie Thurmond. He was cherished by a wide circle of extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Rex H. "Toby" Thurmond; his grandfather, Rex H. Thurmond II (Peggy); and his grandfather, Warren Clark (Sarah).

The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Hank's memory consider making a donation to charities that directly impacted his life: Next Response Foundation, 1881 George Patton Drive, Suite 107, Franklin, Tennessee 37067 (www.nextresponse.org), or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s 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 Rex H. "Hank" Thurmond.