Daniel Jackson (Jack) Thrift, 90, of Marietta, Georgia entered his heavenly home on Monday, October 5, 2020. He was born in Waycross, Georgia on November 2, 1929 to Ethel Daphne Corbett and Owen Matthew Thrift. He graduated from Wacona High School where he served as the senior class Vice President and was awarded the Atlanta Journal Constitution's Journal Cup. Jack went on to enlist and proudly serve his country during the Korean War in the United States Air Force as an Information Specialist and Photographer where he developed a further interest in writing, journalism and photography. He attended the Air Force Academy, CO, and spent time at Camp Sandman, CA and Lackland AFB in TX. Later he was stationed in Japan where he enjoyed experiencing their culture and people. His friendships with some of the families he met in Japan lasted over the years as he hosted these international friends when they visited the U.S. His interest in journalism led him to pursue a degree in Journalism from Georgia State University. Later in his life, he was selected to serve as the GSU Alumni Association President, and for many years had been the oldest living former President.
Jack worked at the Atlanta advertising firm, Kirkland, White & Shell before he ventured into business and started Jack Thrift & Co., one of the first tenants at Executive Park. He was active in his community through Kiwanis Club activities for years, serving as the Lieutenant Governor, and participated in local politics, even running some political campaigns in the state of Georgia.
Jack was a faithful member first, of Oak Grove Methodist Church, Decatur, Georgia. Later, he and his beloved wife, Donna, became members of Mt. Paran Church of God where they taught Sunday School for many years, thoroughly enjoying the children they taught. These children often brought their kids back to meet Donna and Jack because they were well-loved and honored. Jack loved children, because at heart he could see life from a kid's eyes. They delighted as he did his Donald Duck voice, leading one little guy to ask "what ARE you"?? Jack loved to laugh and entertain kids, likely because he had developed a sense of creativity to keep himself entertained as an only child.
Jack and Donna had a prayer ministry for years. Jack loved telling others about Jesus Christ and shared his faith even in his last days to any who would listen. While he will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him, we rejoice now that Jack is safely in the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Jack was preceded in death by both of his parents. He is survived by his adored wife, Donna Day Thrift of Marietta, Georgia and the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren that meant so much to him, particularly in the later years. Survivors are: Cynthia Celeste Moore, Tucker, Sara Thrift, Atlanta, Susan Woerheide Griffin (Dan) Woodstock, John Woerheide (Catherine) Atlanta; Grandchildren: Dayvid Lee McClung (Katie), Mary Caroline McClung Brantley (Rob); Dr. David Saunders (Laura), Dr. Lauren Saunders Hutts (Mitch), Dr. Jessica Saunders Talbert (Matthew), Laurel Woerheide, Daisy Woerheide and Willis Woerheide; Great Grandchildren: Phoenix, Gavin and Violet Brantley, Zora and Julian McClung, Ethan and Levi Saunders.
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