John W. (Skip) Thurmond Jr.

He was called Poppa by all his grandchildren after his beloved grandfather, James Willie Arnold. Poppa never saw a tool he didn’t like and often came to the aid of his children in all manner of repairs. We all loved hearing of his colorful adventures with longtime Athens friends, his stories of motorcycle road trips, fishing, flying, and their travels later in life with special friends, Frank and Sue. Poppa avoided any spotlight but shared his big heart through quiet acts of kindness, one-on-one words of support and his gentle spirit.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Jan Clement Thurmond. His children are Bret Thurmond and wife, Linda, of Bogart, Chuck Thurmond and wife, Angie, of Atlanta, Detra Abernathy and husband, Ray, of Dunwoody, Wesley Thurmond and wife, Jenna, of Cumming, Ellen Thurmond and husband, Paul Aron, of Richmond, Virginia and Heather Thurmond of Springfield, Virginia. He leaves 11 greatly loved grandchildren across the country: Michael and Elisabeth, Josh, Nicole (and husband, Riley), Sam and Seth, Elise and Brendan, Jack and Ella, and Hannah (and husband, Jace). He is survived by his brother, Terry (and wife, Charlene).

A celebration of Skip’s life will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations to First United Methodist Church of Athens or American Lung Association are encouraged.

Online condolences may be offered at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com.

Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.