Cover photo for Willard Ellis Thurman's Obituary
Willard Ellis Thurman Profile Photo
In Memory Of
Willard Ellis Thurman
1944 2024

Willard Ellis Thurman

May 12, 1944 — January 24, 2024

Willard Ellis Thurman, 79, of Shepherdsville, Kentucky, passed away on Wednesday, January 24, 2024. Willard was a loving and devoted husband, father, and granddaddy. He was a very likeable man and never met a stranger. He was a master of tinkering and always had a project car to work on. Willard enjoyed zipping around the neighborhood in his golf cart to visit his neighbors. He was very quick witted and was known for his "Willardisms" and thriftiness. He loved caring for his dogs, Lucy and Ree Ree. Willard will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing him.

He was born on May 12, 1944 in Louisville, Kentucky to Charles and Martha (Coats) Thurman. He is preceded in death by his father, Charles Thurman; mother, Martha Thurman; brothers, Charles Thurman, Clarence Thurman; and sister, Marlene Tabor.

Willard is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Rita Thurman; sons, Marty E. (Stacey) Thurman, Ryan (Tina) Reed; grandchildren, Haley (Kurtis) James, Rachel Thurman, Kaitlin (Bradley) Humphrey, Jordan (Shannon) Reed, Erica Thurman; great-granddaughters, Scarlett Humphrey, River James; great-grandson, Reece Humphrey; one great-grandchild on the way; brother, Dan (Dot) Thurman; as well as a host of many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends to cherish his loving memory forever.

Visitation will be on Saturday, February 10, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, Southwest Louisville Chapel, 10304 Dixie Highway. His memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, Southwest Louisville Chapel.

To share a memory of Willard or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Willard Ellis Thurman, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Saturday, February 10, 2024

10:00am - 2:00 pm (Eastern time)

Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions

10304 Dixie Highway, Louisville, KY 40272

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Memorial Service

Saturday, February 10, 2024

Starts at 2:00 pm (Eastern time)

Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions

10304 Dixie Highway, Louisville, KY 40272

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Guestbook

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