James Larry Thurman

James Larry Thurman of Cherry Log, Georgia passed away at home on September 1, 2025. Larry was born at home, on the farm at Bushy Head, on December 19, 1945, to Claude and Katie Thurman. He was a loving husband, father, Poppy, great-grandfather, and friend. He was married to the love of his life, Brenda Cearley Thurman, on July 26, 1967, and together they raised two sons, Brian and Kevin.

Larry lived a full life of service, hard work, sacrifice, and passion for the things he loved. A proud and highly decorated U.S. Army veteran, Larry served his country during the Vietnam War where he earned two Purple Hearts and a Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery and sacrifice.

Larry worked for 25 years at the Tennessee Chemical Company where he held various leadership and service roles. He was known as a tough but fair boss, which earned the respect of the men and women who worked around him. Larry ultimately retired as the Health and Safety Director in 1995. He and his wife, Brenda, also owned The Trailer-In in Blue Ridge.

Larry was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting, fishing, and spending time on his tractor, a hobby that kept him busy in his retirement years. Additionally, Larry was a classic car enthusiast and loved seeing, rebuilding, racing, and talking about every aspect of cars. His final build was his red 1934 Ford Coupe. Larry was especially proud of the track record he set at the Paradise Drag Strip in 1965 for his A-Class Gasser. In addition to his love for cars, Larry was an avid motorcyclist with a love for dirt bikes and street bikes.

Larry Thurman loved his family, his country, his hobbies, and his friends. We will miss his strength, his smile, his intelligence, and his ability to fix anything he wanted to.

Larry is survived by two sons, Brian (Tara) Thurman and Kevin (Rebecca) Thurman; grandchildren, John Thurman, Katie Thurman, Francie Thurman, Mackenzie Moreland, Sawyer Moreland, and Cooper Moreland; great grandchildren, Caiden Thurman and Parker Thurman, as well as nephews, nieces, cousins and countless friends who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents (Claude and Katie), brother (Junior), nephew (Lee) and loving wife (Brenda). Pallbearers will be Bobby King, Stanley King, Brandon King, Dawson King, Chad O'neal, and Darren Cochran. Honorary pallbearers are: Robert Key, Charles Holloway, James Griggs, Bill Thurman, Keith Jenkins, Dale Cochran, and Darwin O'Neal.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 7th from 1pm-4pm at Cochran-McDaniel followed by a graveside service at Macedonia Church of Christ at 4:30pm, Minister David Mullins will officiate. The family asks that donations be made, in lieu of flowers, to the Macedonia Church of Christ Cemetery Fund in his memory. Macedonia Church of Christ Cemetery Fund: PO Box 326 Blue Ridge, GA 30513.

Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of James Larry Thurman; send condolences and sign the guest register online at www.cochranmcdaniel.com