Gladys……….Eulam Butler "E.B." Thurman, Jr., "the mayor of Hellbend" age 93 passed away Wednesday, April 25, 2018  at his residence surrounded by loved ones.

Born March 7, 1925 in Campbell County, he was a son of the late Eulam Butler Thurman and Nannie Hall Thurman. He was predeceased by his wife, Katie Lindsey Thurman, whom he loved so much and helped take care of at home for 8 years; and infant daughter, Bonnie Gay Thurman; a son-in-law, Glenn Ashwell; three brothers, Charlie Thurman, Wilbur Thurman and Frankie Thurman; and three sisters, Mabel Payne, Lula Arthur and Alease Hunley. Mr. Thurman was a member at Bethel Pentecostal Holiness Church and was retired from the Lane Company. He loved his church and the people there, he always said "preacher Brad was the best." Mr. Thurman was an Army Veteran of World War II and he wore his army cap everywhere he went. He was so proud of his country and would tell people that he thought every man should serve their country. All of the Thurman boys served their country and he was very proud of their service. Junior enjoyed gardening, woodworking, helping people and going to sales with Wyatt Hall.

He is survived by one son, Jimmy Thurman and wife, Lisa Boley of Altavista; three daughters, Darnell Bennett and husband, Dwight of Lynch Station and Karen Sue Ashwell of Gladys and Gayle Harlow of Altavista; one brother, Elton Thurman of Gladys; two sisters, Joyce Roberts of Gladys and Lib Hall of Gladys; one brother-in-law, Byrd Lindsey and wife, Pauline of Gladys; nine grandchildren, Dawn, Miranda, Zaz, Ashley and husband, Buddy, Megan, Grayson, Krisily, Terry and Sandra; two great-grandchildren, Chloe and Jason; three step-grandchildren, Brad Ashwell, Bryan and Scottie Gillespie; and three step-great-grandchildren, Iris, Lila and Levi Ashwell.

Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 28, 2018 at Bethel Pentecostal Holiness Church by Rev. Brad Hendrix. Burial with military honors by American Legion Altavista Post 36 and Gretna Post 232 will follow in the Thurman Family Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 27, 2018 at Colbert-Moran Funeral Home and other times will be at the residence.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to: Bethel Pentecostal Holiness Church, 2635 Tabor Road, Gladys, VA 24554.

The family would like to thank all the caregivers over the years, Diane, Charlie, Kesha, Edwina, Terry, Sandra, Joyce and Roger.

Special thanks to Dr. Robert Elliott for all the care, house calls, concerns and friendship that he has shown our Daddy and Mother.

Colbert-Moran Funeral Home, Gretna is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.colbertmoran.com.