Gary Ashley Thurmond

Gary Ashley Thurmond, Sr, from Portland, Texas, passed away on October 29, 2017, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Gary was born on May 8, 1947 in Allendale, South Carolina to Ebbie Alanzo Thurmond and Annie Lee Linder Thurmond.

At the age of 17 he joined the United States Coast Guard.  After 20 years of service he retired as a Master Chief Petty Officer in Charge of the USCG Cutter Mallet. He then began a career in Law Enforcement working for the Nueces County Sheriff's Office to the rank of Lieutenant, before joining the Portland Police Department until his retirement as a Corporal.

Gary loved going to Disney World, Coushatta Casino, and vacationing in the Smoky Mountains. He was a true family man and loved spending time with his family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Carolyn Ann Thurmond, daughter Carrie Kronk(Eugene), son Gary Thurmond Jr, two grandchildren who were his pride and joy, Kaitlyn and Kyle Kronk, and his very demanding but loyal cat Daisy.

His surviving brothers are Ebbie (Marcel), Robert (Wanda), Jim (Pat) and George Thurmond (Stacia). Surviving sisters are Hilda Burrows (John), Ann Hingle (Calvin), and Linda Wygant (Conrad). He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Jack and Edward Thurmond and sisters Bobbie Estilette and Edna LeGrant.

Gary and Carol have a very special friend and angel, Sharlene Benfield, who gave her time, love and care to make him comfortable during his last weeks. A personal thanks to Dr. Lee Sang, Cindi Lee Sang and Claire Gilmore for their care and compassion during these difficult times.

Viewing will be from 1pm-8pm Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at Limbaugh Funeral Home in Portland, Texas, with family visitation from 6pm-7:30pm. Funeral Services will be at 9:30am Thursday, November 2, 2017 at Oak Ridge Baptist Church in Portland Texas with Pastor Mark Miller officiating, followed by burial services at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery in Corpus Christi, Texas.