He served in the "clean-up operation" of World War II in the Pacific and was discharged as a corporal. In 1948, he moved to Houston, TX, and worked at the Houston Lighting and Power Company. He began as a lineman's helper, then a journeyman lineman, and finally a line foreman. After retirement in 1986, he fulfilled his dream of returning to the Prairie Grove Community.
Thurman was a member of the Prairie Grove Baptist Church and I. B. E. W. Local 66 Union in Pasadena, TX.. He was educated in the local Prairie Grove rural school and took mechanics classes after going to Texas. Cecil loved hunting and had become a skilled marksman in the Army. Collecting old cars and refurbishing them was another avid hobby of his.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Minnie Lee Wolfe Thurman, also from the Prairie Grove Community and a sister, Nell Thurman of the Prairie Grove Community. He is survived by his wife Audrey Evelyn Coker Thurman of Greenville, SC; one daughter, Elizabeth Pearl (Beth) Thurman, of Monticello; one stepdaughter, Donnis Traylor of Greenville, SC; two stepsons: David Pierce of Greenville, SC, and Butch Pierce of Houston, TX. He also had 8 step grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was also survived by two brothers: Winfred (Windy) Thurman of Booneville, Ms, and Billy Joe Thurman of Hot Springs, Village; two sisters: Mary Thurman and Ouida Bowden both of the Prairie Grove Community. He had a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Condolences(38)
Marilyn Carpenter Spurlock
Hamburg, AR Tuesday, March 30, 2010 Hello Beth & FamilyI'm so sorry to hear about your Dad. I know he will be greatly missed, but he is nor suffering anymore. You are in my thoughts and Prayers. I would have come to visition, but just found out today(3-30).
June Brixie
Monticello, AR Tuesday, March 30, 2010 Beth, sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.June
Natalie (Lawson) Mobley
Jonesboro, AR Saturday, March 27, 2010 Ms. Beth,I am truly sorry to hear of the recent loss of your dad. Our thoughts and prayers will be with all of you. Hold tight to memories for comfort, fill your mind with all the happy times, lean on your friends for strength, and always remember how much you are cared for.
Natalie
PQ
Gardner, AR Friday, March 26, 2010 Thinking of youKaren Wolfe and Harry Prior
Alexandria, VA Friday, March 26, 2010 Our prayers are with you during this time of grief. I have many mhisemories of Cecil. I always had fun with him. He allowed me to shoot a rifle. Harry and I enjoyed his cars.Wish I could have been there. My prayers are with you.
Love
Kay and Harry
Pam Leeper
Monticello, AR Friday, March 26, 2010 Mrs. Beth,I am sorry to hear about your dad passing. My prayers are with you and your family during this time of loss.
Love,
Pam & William Leeper
Chris Wrobleski
Pasadena, TX Friday, March 26, 2010 I worked with Cecil at Houston Lighting & Power and he was a good man and hard worker. I was a first six Month Apprentice when i was on his crew. A few thing i remember about Cecil is that he loved to make money,talk to me about saving for the future,all his cars-trucks-riding lawn mowers-guns he owned.Some of Cecil quotes that i remember are "IM A BETTER MAN THAN YOU" and "THE ARKANSAS FAN" ten one hundered dollars bills fanning his face with a big smile.Cecil your in my thoughts and prayers and i will continue to save money for the future.Houston, Texas
, TX Thursday, March 25, 2010 Will miss Cecil calling and asking me if I savingmy money. My sympathy to the entire Thurman family.
Janet McKiever
Hamburg, AR Thursday, March 25, 2010 Beth, I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's death.Mildred Johnson Brown
Rockwall, TX Thursday, March 25, 2010 Beth, I am so sorry to hear of the death of your Dad, Mildred Johnson Brownyou have my sincere sympathy and prayers.BUTCH PIERCE & FAMILY
BAYTOWN, TX Thursday, March 25, 2010 CECIL,you were a good man!! ALWAYS TOLD US TO WORK HARD.WE WILL MISS YOU. THANKS FOR TAKING CARE OF MY MOM11Julian pierce
baytown, TX Thursday, March 25, 2010 butch pierceAnna Marie (Jones) McKewen
DeWitt, AR Thursday, March 25, 2010 Beth, Cindy Dupslaff told me about this obituary. I am thinking that you are the Beth Thurman that was my 12th grade English teacher at St. Charles, AR. If so, I am truly sorry about the death of your dad. From reading the guestbook, I can tell he must have been a wonderful man (as I always thought you were). With Sympathy to you and yours. Anna Marie (Jones) McKewenDale Pierce
Houston, TX Thursday, March 25, 2010 Dear Cecil,You were a good man with a great heart and appreciation of life. Your advice to "work hard and save your money" still rings in my ears. Though you weren't a blood relative you were still like a grandpa to us. Thank you for being in our lives and taking such good care of our Granny. We all know how you loved her so. Cecil we love you and will truly miss you.
-Dale
Walter & Norma Chapman
Monticello, AR Thursday, March 25, 2010 Dear Beth, So sorry for the loss of your Dad..I will never forget his friendly manner. He was a gentleman of first class quality always considerate and helpful to others. He will be missed by all but not forgotten by any.Betty Jaques
Tallahassee, FL Wednesday, March 24, 2010 I share your sorrow - he will cert ainly be missed and I just wish I could be there with you - Lovw Coousin BettyJeff & Dedra Turner
Monticello, AR Wednesday, March 24, 2010 Your family is in our prayers. We are sorry for your loss.Jennifer Falcone
Houston, TX Wednesday, March 24, 2010 Cecil Thurman - You had a zest for life that was really to be admired - a true people person! I will miss my visits to see you and Granny and will forever hold those memories close to my heart. I can't thank you enough for taking such good care of my precious granny. Rest in Peace, Cecil. Love, Jennifer Jim.Coach A.B. Wood II
Hot Springs, AR Wednesday, March 24, 2010 my dearest regrets on the passing of mr cecil. sincerely, abC. L. Jones
Conroe, TX Wednesday, March 24, 2010 Sorry to hear about Cecil. My sympathy to the entire Thurman family.C.L.
Tonya Pierce
League City, TX Wednesday, March 24, 2010 Cecil I will miss you verry much. You were a good Grandpa to all of us and always took good care of our Granny, we all thank you for that . Not any of us will forget your advice work hard and save your money that was your last words to me while you were in the hosp. when i answered mom said you laughed. Hope your driving around in some old car. Much Love Tonya PIERCETroy Pierce
Deer Park, TX Wednesday, March 24, 2010 Cecil We will truely miss you, i'll miss our talks while puffing on a good cigar and your famous words WORK HARD and save your money wish i had listened a little more. You loved my Granny and i thank you for that. Save that riding lawn mower for me in Heaven Troy Pierce @ FamilyJames and Kathy Berry
Monticello, AR Wednesday, March 24, 2010 Beth and familyWe are sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
James and Kathy
MIKE PIERCE & FAMILY
DEER PARK, TX Wednesday, March 24, 2010 Cecil, you will be missed. Thank you for loving my Granny so much.Tammy Wiscaver Kelly
Monticello, AR Wednesday, March 24, 2010 Pearl,I just want to say that my prayers are with you and the family during your time of grief. Find peace in the knowledge that you will see him again one day as our Lord has promised.
Sending you my love
Wiscaver
Cody Lee Pierce
Houston, TX Wednesday, March 24, 2010 Cecil, I have always looked forward to spending time with you and granny when you were in town, I love you and will truely miss you.( and all of the lectures that you would give me on finances and such.) You are a great person who treated my grandmother wonderful. May you go and enjoy all of those classic cars in heaven!Karla Wolfe Talleur
Sunbury, GA Wednesday, March 24, 2010 I'll miss you Cecil. You were my favorite uncle, even though you often "helped" me get into trouble! I can still see Grandie being mad after you "pushed me" through the window at the bottom of the stairs at their old prairie house. You just stood there hew-hawing. You always made the day bright when you walked into the room. I love you and I'll miss you.Karla-Sue
Roddy Boyd
Mauldin, SC Wednesday, March 24, 2010 I hadn't known Cecil as long as a lot of you have but what I knew about him made me happy to be around him. Even though I am not part of the imediate family he made me feel that way when I was around him. And of all the coincidences there are in the world it came to pass that my birthday was on the 28th of Aug. like his and my mothers birthday was on the 10th of Apr the same day as Evelyns birthday. Cecil was a good man and a good friend he will be truly missed.Susan Smith
Little Rock, AR Tuesday, March 23, 2010 Beth, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are all in my prayers. I know you will cherish the wonderful memories.Carole (Johns) Rushing
Rison, AR Tuesday, March 23, 2010 Beth, I'm so sorry to read about your Dad. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God grant you the peace and comfort that only HE can give.Carole
Barbara Pierce
Mauldin, SC Tuesday, March 23, 2010 Cecil You were a good man and good husband to Evelyn and there is a place in Heaven for you. I will miss you verry much,but i'll see you again oneday. With Love Barbara PierceJeremy Sparks
Cheyenne, WY Tuesday, March 23, 2010 To the family of Mr. CecilIt was a sad day when I learned of Mr. Cecil’s passing. Know that Cecil made a difference in my life and the memories we made and the stories we shared over all these years will remain with me for years to come.
I certainly enjoyed Cecil telling me about my Papaw, War Stories from WWII and drag racing down Midway Route. I will always remember him for being quite the character, larger than life, and a man with a passion to live.
Over Christmas I asked Cecil what was the best advice he could give a young person and he replied, “Tend your own garden.” Great words from a great man.
Jamie and I are praying for all of you during this time of loss.
Jeremy and Jamie Sparks
Amy Daniels
Beebe, AR Tuesday, March 23, 2010 Miss Beth! With all my love and great memories! AmyGary McCullars
Natchez, MS Tuesday, March 23, 2010 Beth, Joy and I want to offer our condolences.Janie/Larry Fuller
monticello, AR Tuesday, March 23, 2010 Beth & Family,So very sorry for Mr. Cecil's passing. May God give you all comfort.
I had the privelege of getting to know him during our many hours of conversation at Walmart & other places. Mr. Cecil was always happy and had an unusally postive outlook on life.
BJ Pemberton
Fort Smith, AR Tuesday, March 23, 2010 Ms. Beth and family, I am truly sorry for your loss.Donnis Traylor
Greer, SC Tuesday, March 23, 2010 Cecil,I love you and will miss you very much. Thank you for taking good care of my mother.
Peace be with you and will see you someday.
Love always,
Donnis
Evelyn Thurman
Greer, SC Tuesday, March 23, 2010 To my Loving husband Cecil,I will miss you with all my heart. Thank you for the years we shared together. Thank you for being the man you were, and taking care of me. I know one day we will be together again.
I love you
Evelyn