William W. Thurston Army Maj. US Ret.

William Wallace Thurston lost his courageous seven-year battle with kidney cancer on March 12, 2015 at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. He was born on June 1, 1943 in Norfolk, Virginia to Wallace William and Evelyn Reaves Thurston.

Since his father was a military officer, Wally grew up in locations as diverse as Panama and Labrador. He graduated from the University of Kansas and was soon drafted into the Army. He went to flight school and loved aviation so much that he stayed in the Army for 20 years. He served his country honorably in Vietnam and later especially enjoyed his two tours of duty in Germany. He married his wife Carolyn in 1982 and later retired from the military in her hometown of San Antonio. He then began a second career as a teacher and physical education coach for the San Antonio Independent School District. He spent many years as the swim coach for Lanier High School. He enjoyed working with young people at school, volunteering as a coach for youth sports teams and leading hikes and camping trips for the Boy Scouts. In addition, he volunteered at the San Antonio International Airport during his retirement years.

After retiring from teaching, he received his cancer diagnosis and was determined to enjoy the years he had left. His goal was to travel to see family members and friends, and to enjoy many vacations with his wife and family. He was able to go on many cruises, see many National Parks, and revisit Germany several times. His favorite trip was a two-week cruise to Tahiti and Bora Bora where he swam with sharks.

Wally was a loving husband and father and he was very proud of the accomplishments of his sons. He will be greatly missed but will live forever in our hearts and memories. He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Carolyn Thurston; his three sons: Kevin Thurston and wife Shelby, Scott Thurston, and John Thurston and wife Elizabeth; four grandchildren: Sophia, Emma, Averie and Jack Thurston; and his brother Sid Thurston and wife Connie.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, March 24 at 10:00 a.m. at Porter Loring North Chapel, 2102 North Loop 1604 East. Dr. Dick Kreutzer will officiate. Burial with full military honors will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations for kidney cancer research at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston or donations to a charity of your choice.