Dr. Thurman O. Butcher

1931 - 2018

Dr. Thurman O. Butcher, 86, made his transition at Azalealand Nursing Home on May 28th, 2018.

Born on October 9, 1931, in Montier, Missouri, Thurman was the son of Winita and Orin Butcher. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Central Methodist College, a Master of Education Degree from Western Maryland College, a Certificate of Advanced Study in Education from John Hopkins University, and a Doctor of Education Degree from George Washington University.

A veteran of the United States Army, Thurman served in the Counter Intelligence Corps, including time in Germany. While in the Service, Thurman met the love of his life, Jean Smith, at a YWCA dance. They were married on February 19, 1955.

Thurman was a born educator. He made a career of being a principal at high schools in Baltimore County and Howard County. He was well respected and won many awards, including Principal of the Year for the state of Maryland. After retiring and moving to Georgia, Thurman taught Educational Administration at Georgia Southern University.

Thurman and Jean raised one daughter, Cheri, who they greatly supported in her love for theatre and in her stage career. After the Butchers retired, they moved from Columbia, Maryland, to Savannah where they helped their daughter and son-in -law raise their four children, who loved their "Pappy."

A lifelong Methodist, Thurman was a member of Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church for many years. He transferred to Asbury Memorial UMC when his son-in-law became Asbury's senior minister. Over the years, Thurman taught Sunday School classes, served on the Trustees, Finance Committee, and greatly supported the church with his prayers, presence, gifts, and service. He also served on the board of the Wesley Community Centers for many years, and he distributed food for Meals On Wheels.

Thurman and Jean loved to travel the world together, especially on cruises. They were also active bowlers with Thurman serving as president of their bowling league. They cherished being with family and friends on cruise ships, in bowling alleys, at church, at their home, or anywhere else they could spend time with friends and loved ones. Thurman will forever be known for his love, loyalty, and commitment to God, family, friends, and country.

Thurman is survived by his wife, Jean, of 63 years; his daughter Cheri Hester (Billy); four grandchildren: Chelsea Hester, Christi Hester, Wendell Hester, Wesley Hester; a sister, Ozella Walker (Leon), and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to Thurman's wonderful personal caregivers, to the staff of Azalealand, and to the staff of Hospice Savannah.

The visitation will be at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel on Sunday, June 3, from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

The funeral will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 4, at Asbury Memorial UMC, 1008 East Henry Street (corner of Waters Avenue). Parking is in back of church building,

Interment will follow at Hillcrest Abbey West Cemetery, 1336 Dean Forest Road.

Remembrances: Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church, 1008 East Henry Street, Savannah, GA, 31401.

Please sign our online guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com