Billy “Bill” Joe Thurman
Billy “Bill” Joe Thurman, 87, a resident of Houston, TX, passed away unexpectedly yet peacefully on July 7, 2022, in Houston, TX. He was born on May 9, 1935 in the Prairie Grove Community near Ladelle, AR. He was the son of and preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Elma “Pearl” Thurman.
Bill graduated with honors at the age of 21 from Arkansas A&M University where he secured a 4-year basketball scholarship. He and his teammates won the AIC in 1956 and were all installed into the Athletic Hall of Fame for Arkansas A&M in 2006.
He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and National Guard units in both Texas and Arkansas. Bill lived in Houston, TX from 1957 – 1993 and was employed with Kerr McGee Corporation where he ended his career as VP of Supply & Distribution. During this time, he was a member of St. Philips United Methodist Church (UMC). He continued to be active in sports by coaching multiple basketball, baseball and softball teams. He also umpired and refereed these sports.
He retired to Hot Springs Village, AR and joined Christ of the Hills UMC. He returned to Houston in 2016 and joined Christ Evangelical Presbyterian Church.
He was also preceded in death by his brothers: Cecil Thurman & Winfred Thurman; sisters: Nell Thurman, Mary Thurman and Ouida Bowden and son-in-law Doug Gates.
Bill leaves behind his wife, Carol Jean (Adams) Thurman; brother-in-law Clifford Bowden; daughters: Gwen Gates, and Lynda (Michael) Martin; son: Rick (Leannah) Thurman; eight grandchildren: Zack (Hillary) Martin, Carolyn Gates, Nick (Courtney) Martin, Connor Gates, Jake (Callie) Martin, Olivia Thurman, Luke Thurman & Joshua Thurman and great grandchildren: Sophie Martin and Addie Virgil.
A service will be held at Christ Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 8300 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77024 on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at 2:45pm followed by a reception/visitation. A private burial will take place at Houston National Cemetery earlier in the day.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bill’s name to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation https://www.jdrf.org/southerntexas/ or to the American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/ .
Bill was such a good man and force in my life. I know he is smiling up above at all the love coming his way now. I do wish I could attend his service but know we are thinking of Coach and the family from here in San Diego.
Mr.Bill was such a sweet person and he loved his family Carol he will be missed
Mr. Thurman taught us so much about basketball and I used it in my coaching. Such a great man
Rick, Keeping you and the entire Thurman family in my thought and prayers.
Carol Judi and I have fond memories of the times We spent with You and Bill when You lived in Hot Springs Village.
Bob Prestridge