William B. Thurmond, Sr.

William Blair Thurmond, Sr. of McDaniel, MD died on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at Memorial Hospital at Easton. He was 81. Born April 29, 1926 in Faber, VA, Mr. Thurmond was the son of the late Charlie Boaz and Sallie Bowling Thurmond. “Bill” grew up in the Shenandoah Valley and graduated in 1943 from E.C. Glass High School in Lynchburg, VA. Seeking employment, he traveled to Baltimore, MD and was hired by the American Can Company to work in the shipping department. Through determination and hard work, he was promoted and transferred to numerous manufacturing facilities. His career of 43 years took him and his family to cities in the Northeast, Mid-West and South, finally culminating in Greenwich, CT where he retired as a Vice President in 1986. Bill’s 22 years of retirement in McDaniel, MD with his wife, Winnie, were spent enjoying the company of family and friends. He also enjoyed gardening, golf and mastered his TV remote and “mute” watching football, baseball, basketball and golf simultaneously. Throughout the years, he participated in numerous civic activities in each city, always for the betterment of the community. A wonderful and giving husband and father, Bill was also a fun loving host to his friends, having a knack for story telling that will not be forgotten. Mr. Thurmond is survived by his loving and caring wife, the former Edwina “Winnie” Kinzel, whom he married January 12, 1952; three children, Lori Ann White and her husband John “Jack” of Centennial, CO, William Blair Thurmond, Jr. of Gaithersburg, MD, and Sallie Jane Thurmond-Schaper and her husband Samuel “Sam” of Englewood, CO; a sister, Louise McDearmon of Amherst, VA; a brother, Melville “Mel” Thurmond of Forest, VA; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Virginia Newman. Friends may call on Friday, May 2, 2008 from 2 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM at Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home, P.A., 200 S. Harrison St., Easton, MD 21601. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2008 at 11:00 AM at the Presbyterian Church of Easton, 617 N. Washington St., Easton, MD 21601. Burial will be private. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942.

William B. Thurmond, Sr.

April 29, 1926 - April 22, 2008