DeWayne Thurman, 80, of Crossett, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 9, 2024. Born on September 2, 1944, in Monticello, Arkansas, to Cecil and Margie Mhoon Thurman, DeWayne grew up in nearby Lacey. He developed a passion for basketball during his time at Drew Central High School, where he graduated in 1962.

DeWayne spent the majority of his life in Crossett, where he dedicated thirty-eight years of his career to Georgia Pacific, retiring as a bleach plant operator. A hard worker and provider, he was a man of few words but spoke volumes through his actions.

DeWayne was blessed with fifty-seven years of marriage to his beloved wife, Judy. Together, they shared a love for traveling, embarking on many cruises and bus tours throughout their life. When not traveling, DeWayne found joy in his vegetable garden, tinkering outside on his tractor, cutting firewood, and collecting old Coca-Cola bottles.

A dedicated outdoorsman, DeWayne took great pride in coaching his children’s ball teams and later became the biggest fan of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always cheering them on at their games. Despite his declining health, his quick wit and sense of humor remained intact, bringing laughter to those around him.

Above all, DeWayne cherished his family. His love and dedication to them were unmatched, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by one brother, Dennis Thurman, one granddaughter, Morgan Pippen, and two sisters-in-law, Catherine Thurman and Barbara Thurman.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Judy Hogue Thurman and four children, Tonya Willis (Jeff), Rhonda Pippen (BJ), and Daryl Thurman (Janice) all of Crossett, and Wayman Thurman (Jessica) of Bentonville, AR; along with two brothers, Larry Thurman (Donna) of Searcy, AR, and Curtis Thurman of Enola, AR; sister-in-law, Edith Thurman of Lacey, AR; nine grandchildren, Dustyn Willis, Zac Pippen (Brooke), Alexia Carpenter (Aaron), Brady Pippen (McKenzie), Jep Pippen, and Hagen, Kirsten, Braxton, and Kaitlyn Thurman; and four great-grandchildren, Mason Thurman, Mary Ashleigh, and Avery Pippen, and Eli Carpenter.

A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 13th, at the Lacey Cemetery with Bro. Phillip Slaughter, officiating.  Pallbearers are DeWayne’s grandsons.

Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 p.m., at the cemetery prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Baptist Church of Crossett.

Services entrusted to Medders Funeral Home of Crossett.