In addition to his wife he is survived by his children: Valecia Inman (Wade), Jimmy Dean Cumbee (Vicky), Laticia Cumbee, Joe Ramm (Carla), Suzy Helms (Greg), and Terri Hanson (Gordon). His brothers and sisters: Wayne Cumbee, Ronald Cumbee (Debbie), Iris Jenkins, and Joann Willetts (E.L.) join the grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews in honoring his memory. Thurston was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Essie Irene Cumbee and his beloved son, Myron Lane Cumbee, whose death inspired him to pen a memorial poem, “One Night a Mason.” He also mourned the passing of his brothers: Bobby, Barry, Danny, and Gary Cumbee; as well as sisters: Bernice Barrett and Sylvia Johnson.
He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War where he earned his GED. He often spoke fondly of the lifetime friendships he made while serving. During his working years Thurston held positions at various companies, including: Newell’s Chainsaw Shop and Babcock & Wilcox (welder & fitter). He was a welding instructor at Cape Fear Tech where he prepared many to become gainfully employed in metal working trades. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers where he was elected Chief Steward numerous times and later became Vice President of Local 905. He retired from the town of Boiling Spring Lakes, where he served as the Superintendent of the Street Department.
He was an avid guitar player who enjoyed playing with gospel groups where he added to his lifelong friendships. His love for music was matched only by his love for automobile racing -- including pulpwood trucks and a track championship in Kansas while in the Army. His greatest joy came from helping his sons, grandson, and great-grandson experience the need for speed.
Thurston was a proud 32nd Degree Freemason and Shriner. He was elected twice as Master of Pythagoras Lodge #249 in Southport, NC.
Funeral Services will be held Thursday, May 19th 2022, at White Funeral and Cremation Service (603 Ocean Hwy E, Bolivia, NC 28422). Visitation will be at 12p.m. followed by the funeral service at 1p.m. Burial, with full Military honors and Masonic rites, will be held at Riley Sellers, Fred Cumbee Cemetery on Turnpike Rd. Supply, NC.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Center at 955 Mercy Lane, Bolivia, NC 28422 or The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford at 600 College Street, Oxford, NC 27565.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitefuneralservicesupply.com for the Cumbee family.
White Funeral and Cremation Service, Bolivia/Supply Chapel
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