Horace Winchester Thurber III

AKA, Big Win & Pop Pop

Some people live life, and some people take it over. Big Win was decidedly the latter.

Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, he was a complicated man, a big personality, and a true force of nature. A self-made businessman with an independent spirit, a strong will, and an opinion on just about everything, he lived life on his own terms. If he had an idea, a plan, or an event he wanted you to attend, you could be sure of one thing: he would wear you down until you finally said yes and every time you were always glad you did.

He attended UMS Military School and later Shriner boarding school in Texas and not really sure how all that officially ended or where his "exact degree" was from at the end of his education. In true Big Win fashion, he somehow was able to continue to host the UMS Class of 1960 reunions throughout his life. He was a proud member of several Mystic Society's and spending time with his many friends. He spent his professional life in the shipping and maritime business, traveling the world literally over and building friendships on every continent. His career took him far from home, but wherever he went, he seemed to leave behind a friend, a story, or a reason to return. He was so proud to call Mobile his home.

His accomplishments in the Shipping World are too extensive to list but one worth mentioning is he revolutionized the Shipping Agency business by being the founder of the back-office concept for shipping lines. He and many business partners over the years grew several companies to be industry leaders. He was inducted into the Maritime Hall of Fame in 2003.

For all the places he traveled and the business he built, some of his greatest joys came from bringing people together. He was a gracious host who loved his family and friends and had a gift for turning an idea into an occasion. Whether organizing fishing trips in Montana, gathering everyone for Alabama football, arranging shooting trips in England, or simply sitting around his home, he made things happen. He didn't just attend events; he planned them, orchestrated them, and made sure everyone else was having a good time.

His greatest legacy, however, may well be the family that carries his spirit forward. He was very proud of his 3 children that he and Kathy raised, Mary Esther, Winchester and John Wade and their spouses, Bart, Fran and Jenny. While sometimes the conversations were spirited, he never let the day end without saying he "loved them". He was Pop Pop to Rose, Barton, Bissie, Henley, Dennis, Jack, Addie, and his main man, Charlie. Each held a special place in his life, although first born Rose may have had a slight advantage in the family favorite department. He loved his grandchildren and leaves them a legacy of determination, larger-than-life stories, and a reminder to make the most of every opportunity - preferably with a well-organized plan and a full house. His family truly was so important to him.

Later in life he met Amy and she brought so much happiness to him. She cared for him and loved him. Together with her children, Liz and Jake he enjoyed spending time, traveling and sharing great memories with them. He cared about them deeply.

After surviving two battles with cancer, he faced his recent leukemia with the same stubborn determination that had carried him through life. In early June, it seemed we might lose him, but he had other ideas. He fought his way through the summer and into the fall, giving his family the precious gift of more time than they dared hope for. He passed away on October 26, at the age of 84 on his terms, at his house, with his family.

He was not always an easy man, and he certainly was never a small presence. He was complicated, opinionated, persistent, and unforgettable. He could charm you, challenge you, wear you out, and somehow have you agreeing with everything that came out of his mouth!

He worked hard, traveled far, built a business, collected friends around the world, loved his family, and filled his life - and everyone else's calendar - with adventures. He gave us stories to tell, memories to revisit, and plenty of reasons to shake our heads and smile.

Big Win, you did it your way, right up until the end. Here's to "Tight Lines", "Slow flying Birds" and " The Crimson Tide"!

Roll Tide!

In Lieu of flowers or donations the family respectfully asks you to go home and break a window in Big Wins honor and then call :

Universal Glass at 251-479-9535

www.universalglassco.com.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2026 from 12 p.m. until 1 p.m. at Christ Church Cathedral, 115 S Conception St., Mobile, Alabama 36602, with funeral services immediately following at 1 p.m.