Jimmy Ray Thatcher

Jimmy Ray (Jim) Thatcher passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 24, 2017. He was born in Texarkana, Arkansas on March 16, 1932 to Allen and Annie Thatcher. In 1951, he married Lucy Matthews and shortly after, began a career with the Firestone Company quickly becoming one of their youngest store managers. He moved his family to Knoxville in 1962 with the Pure Oil Company. After several successful management positions, in 1973 he founded and ran Superior ICE Company for the next 35 years. In 1986, he started Thatcher Mfg. Company with plants in Maryville, TN and Tampa, FL manufacturing commercial refrigeration equipment. One of his greatest pleasures was working daily with his three sons in these endeavors. We were very fortunate to have had him and to have been around him for this many years. He was a very good man with two strong passions, his family and our family business. With his guidance both were steeped in integrity, work ethic and conservatism. Those two passions and principles led to a marriage of 61 years, three sons and two successful businesses. He led a full and successful life. He will be greatly missed by all. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Allen and Annie Thatcher and his loving wife, Lucy Matthews Thatcher. He is survived by his sons, Bryon (Ann), Blake (Lois) and Brent (Beverly) Thatcher; eight grandchildren, Kenny (Hannah), Alex, Jimmy, Carrie (Audric), Will, Rebecca, Tim, Sarah; two great-grandchildren, Kaileen, Lucy; sister, Pearl Powell and brother, Merl Thatcher, both of Texarkana, Arkansas. Heartfelt thanks to the exceptional staff at Northshore Senior Living who were a tremendous comfort to us and to the staff at his previous "home" whose kindness we have not forgotten. Visitation will be held at Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Highway, on Thursday, September 28, 2017 from 5:00pm until 7:00pm with a service to follow at 7:00pm. Family and friends will meet Friday, September 29, 2017 at 11:00am at Berry Highland South for a graveside service. Condolences may be offered at www.berryfuneralhome.com.