James Larry Thurman

James Larry Thurman, 79, of Cherry Log, died at home Monday, Sept. 1, 2025.

He was born Dec. 19, 1945, at home on the farm at Bushy Head to Claude and Katie Thurman. He was a loving husband, father, Poppy, great-grandfather and friend.

He married the love of his life, Brenda Cearley Thurman, July 26, 1967, and together they raised two sons, Brian and Kevin.

He lived a full life of service, hard work, sacrifice and passion for the things he loved. A proud and highly decorated U.S. Army veteran, he served his country during the Vietnam War where he earned two Purple Hearts and a Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery and sacrifice.

He worked for 25 years at the Tennessee Chemical Company where he held various leadership and service roles. Known as a tough but fair boss, he earned the respect of the men and women who worked around him. He retired as health and safety director in 1995. He and his wife also owned The Trailer-In in Blue Ridge.

He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing and spending time on his tractor, a hobby that kept him busy in retirement. He was also a classic car enthusiast who loved seeing, rebuilding, racing and talking about every aspect of cars. His final build was a red 1934 Ford coupe.

He was especially proud of the track record he set at the Paradise Drag Strip in 1965 for his A-Class Gasser. In addition to his love for cars, he enjoyed riding dirt bikes and street bikes.

He loved his family, his country, his hobbies and his friends. He will be missed for his strength, his smile, his intelligence and his ability to fix anything he wanted to.

He is survived by sons, Brian (Tara) Thurman and Kevin (Rebecca) Thurman; grandchildren, John Thurman, Katie Thurman, Francie Thurman, Mackenzie Moreland, Sawyer Moreland and Cooper Moreland; great-grandchildren, Caiden Thurman and Parker Thurman; and nephews, nieces, cousins and many friends.

He is preceded in death by parents, Claude and Katie Thurman; brother, Junior Thurman; nephew, Lee Thurman; and wife, Brenda Cearley Thurman.

Pallbearers were Bobby King, Stanley King, Brandon King, Dawson King, Chad O'Neal and Darren Cochran.

Honorary pallbearers were Robert Key, Charles Holloway, James Griggs, Bill Thurman, Keith Jenkins, Dale Cochran and Darwin O'Neal.

Graveside service was held Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. at Macedonia Church of Christ with Minister David Mullins officiating.

Donations can be made to the Macedonia Church of Christ Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 326, Blue Ridge, GA 30513, in memory of Mr. Thurman.

Condolences can be made at www.cochranmcdaniel.com.

Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of James Larry Thurman.