Harry Copelan Thurmond

Harry Copelan Thurmond

Harry Copelan Thurmond, age 71, of Snellville, GA passed away on Sunday, September 7, 2014 at his home. Harry was born December 26, 1942 in Greensboro, GA to the late Gartrell Hiram Thurmond and Sarah Copelan Thurmond both of Greensboro. Harry graduated from Greensboro High School in 1962. After graduation, he entered into the United States Air Force where he proudly served his country for 4 years as Master Jet Engine Mechanic. In 1966 he received an honorable discharge with exemplary service.  Following his time with the Air Force, Harry continued his work as a jet engine mechanic with NASA, where he was able to contribute his talents to both the GEMINI and APPOLO space programs. Upon leaving NASA, he returned to Georgia where he was employed by Southern Railroad as an electrician. After his employment with Southern Railroad, Harry joined ANACOMP, formerly known as General Dynamics, as a service technician with over 27 years of loyal service before retiring. Harry had many hobbies, talents and passions, but most of all he loved his family and spending time with friends. He also enjoyed traveling, cruising and was a fiercely loyal Georgia Bulldog football fan. Go Dawgs! Harry was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather (GeeGee), and brother and will be greatly missed. His witty personality was adored and respected by all who knew and loved him.

 
Harry is survived by his wife of 43 years, Sue Edwards Thurmond; an only son Ryan Heath Thurmond; and two grandchildren, Ethan Mitchell Thurmond and Isabella Rose Thurmond. Also surviving him are two brothers, Gartrell Hiram “Sonny” Thurmond Jr. and his wife Beth of Athens GA, Herbert Frink “Herbie” Thurmond and his wife Jan of Greensboro GA; sister and brother in law, Edna and Gus Wynn of Pendergrass GA; sisters in law, Ms. Shirley Buice and Mrs. Denise Whitlock; three nieces, Kim Thurmond, Traci Thurmond Martin (Chris) and Kelly Thurmond; two nephews, Scott Thurmond (Anne) and Chris Thurmond (Deborah); two great nieces, Sarah Elisabeth Thurmond and Kaylee Martin; four great nephews, Christopher Thurmond, Copelan Thurmond, McKellar Thurmond and Shannon Floyd (Becky); and best friends, James and Connie Christian of Snellville GA who were united as family through open hearts and true friendship.

Memorial Services will be held Wednesday, September 10, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at McCommons Chapel with Rev. Mike Morgan officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. until time for the service at McCommons Funeral Home. The family requests that any memorials be made in Harry Thurmond’s memory to  either of the following: http://www.psp.org/, The Foundation for PSP | CBD and Related Brain Diseases, better known as CurePSP, assists patients and their families in their struggle against these debilitating diseases, increases public awareness, educates healthcare professionals, and supports research toward better diagnosis, effective treatments, and eventual cures or  First United Methodist Church (Stain Glass Window Renovation Project), P.O. Box 216, Greensboro, Ga. 30642  706-453-7064.  McCommons Funeral Home, 109 W. Broad St., Greensboro, GA, (706) 453-2626, is in charge of arrangements. Visit us at www.mccommonsfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest register.

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