Billy Payne Thurman

Mr. Thurman was born on March 14, 1928, in Brandon, Kentucky, he was the son of Galen M. Thurman, Sr. and Agnes Folwell Thurman both of whom preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death were a sister, Mary Florence Thurman Fridy; two brothers, Galen M. Thurman, Jr., and Joe Thomas Thurman; two nieces, Ann Thurman and Gail Thurman Hendon. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Murray.

Bill is survived by his wife, Lanette Howard Thurman, to whom he was married May 31, 1956; two sons, Mark Thurman of Richardson, Texas and Scott Thurman of Plano, Texas; one grandson, Morgan Thurman of Dallas, Texas; a sister, Bess Thurman Kerlick, of Murray; niece Jane Fridy of Whittier, North Carolina; nephews Joe Bill Fridy and wife Beverley, Puryear, Tennessee, Jim Kerlick of Madisonville, Kentucky, Chris Kerlick, Tripp Thurman, Bob Thurman and wife Teresa, all of Murray.

He graduated from Murray High School and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Murray State University. He was co-owner of Purdom and Thurman Insurance agency, purchased from Mr. August Wilson in 1956 (later Purdom, Thurman and McNutt, McNutt, and now Peel & Holland.)

Mr. Thurman served in the U.S. Air Force as a pilot, advancing to First Lieutenant during the Korean War. He was a former member of the Murray Young Businessman's Club; Murray Jaycees and Murray Masonic Lodge #105 F&AM, and served on the Murray State University Alumni Board.

In the late 1950's, Mr. Thurman was appointed by President Z. Enix of Murray Jaycees to spearhead efforts to obtain land, funding and building plans for construction of the Murray-Calloway County Airport, now Kyle Field. He loved sports, was captain of the Murray High School football team, followed college and pro teams and played golf throughout his adult life.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home, 201 South 3rd Street, Murray, Kentucky with John Dale and Rev. Boyd Smith officiating. A private burial will follow. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 1, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Anna Mae Owen Hospice House, 803 Poplar Street, Murray, Kentucky 42071.

Online condolences can be made at, www.thejhchurchillfuneralhome.com