March 9, 1924-January 30, 2019
Mr. Stanley James Thurston Sr. was a native of Irvington and a lifelong resident of Mobile, Alabama. He was born on March 9, 1924. He was preceded in death by his parents Hazel and Ray Wilson Thurston, his wife, Em McClure Thurston, his son, Stanley James Thurston Jr. (Anne), and eight siblings. Mr. Thurston was a decorated World War II veteran who bravely stormed the beaches of Normandy among other battles. He honorably served his country as a member of the 113th Signal Radio Intelligence Company of the Army of the United States. He was awarded the Meritorious Unit Award, the WWII Victory Award Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal with Silver Stars, and the Good Conduct Medal AR 600-68. He was also privileged to be on an Honor Flight to Washington, DC. Mr. Thurston was a lifelong member of Central Presbyterian Church where he served as a Sunday School teacher, Deacon, and Elder Emeritus. He later became a member of Springhill Presbyterian Church. Mr. Thurston was also a Master Mason of the McCormick –Mobile Lodge No.40, F. & A.M. He was an accountant for over 30 years at Courtaulds North America, where he made many lifelong friends. He later served as a volunteer at the Mobile Infirmary Auxiliary. Mr. Thurston is survived by his two daughters, Mary Anne Brown (Larry) and Emily Thurston Mouron. He is also survived by his grandchildren Elizabeth Brown (Ken), Emily Anne Foster (James), Lawrence Brown Jr., Brett Thurston (Jessica), and Mary Katherine Martin (Peter). He was also adored by his 10 great-grandchildren, Cecile, Ken, Elizabeth, Henry, Pete, Mary Anne, Em, James Jr., Kaylyn and Russell. A memorial service will be held at Springhill Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, February 5 at 10:00 a.m., with a visitation following in the Fellowship Hall. Prior to the service, his family will gather for a private graveside service at Springhill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Springhill Presbyterian Church, 10 Westminster Way Mobile, Alabama.
