Dennis "Joe" Thacker

He was born on February 7, 1948, in Panther, WV, and was the son of the late James Elmo Thacker and Hazel Leona Worley Thacker.

Joe graduated from Oceana High School in 1967. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from April 18, 1968, through April 17, 1970, attaining the rank of Corporal and serving during the Vietnam War.

Following his military service, Joe was employed for 10 years by Eastern Associated Coal Corporation in Kopperston, WV. On December 3, 1980, Joe suffered a severe mining injury that resulted in his disability and retirement.

The moments most precious to Joe were those spent with his family and his beloved dog, Angel. He enjoyed fishing, camping, working in the yard, and supporting his grandchildren in all of their endeavors. He loved watching westerns, drinking coffee, and spending time with the people he loved. Above all, Joe cherished his grandchildren, and being surrounded by them always brought a smile to his face.

Joe was a member of First Baptist Church of Shady Spring, WV.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Elmo and Hazel Leona Worley Thacker; three brothers, J.E., Roger, and John Thacker; sister-in-law Judy Walls Thacker and nephew, Kevin Thacker.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 56 years, Deborah Thacker; his daughter, Terra Brown and husband Jay of Shady Spring, WV; and his son, Brian Thacker and wife Hillery of Vale, NC.

Joe’s beloved grandchildren include Ciara Bennett of Charlotte, NC; Morgan Payne and husband Paul of Shady Spring, WV; Madison Stacy and husband Collin of Beckley, WV; and Blake and Harper Thacker of Vale, NC.

He is also survived by two brothers, Walter Thacker and wife Vera of Milford, OH, and Dan Thacker and wife Malinda of Beckley, WV; and his sister-in-law, Donna Thacker of Maineville, OH.

His nieces and nephews include Jennifer Thacker, Catrina Thacker, Kristy Krummen and husband Brad, Andrea Thacker and husband Matt, Nicholas Thacker and wife Kelly, and Joel Thacker and wife Ashley, along with many other great-nieces and great-nephews.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be held on August 1, 2026, at Blue Ridge Memorial Funeral Home in Beckley, WV, with Pastor Hibbard Hatfield officiating. Family visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Mr. Thacker will be laid to rest at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff at the VA hospital, as well as to everyone who cared for Joe throughout his illness. You are truly angels on Earth.

Though he is gone from our sight, his love, his laughter, his wisdom, and the memories he created with his family will remain in our hearts forever.