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Banana Sandwiches: People have different opinions about what makes for a good and long life. If there was anyone who you could say was a natural vegetarian, that would be him. He didn't smoke, chase women, nor drink. He didn’t gamble, swear nor cause anyone any harm. In fact, we don’t know that Thurston had any vices. His idea of a real treat and a good life was banana sandwiches and family. Family: Thurston met his future wife Ellie Ingram at what they called a “milk party” in those days and it was love at first sight. It took some convincing and time, but Ellie agreed to wed and they were married in 1939. They waited to have children until his career was established. He is survived by two daughters and his wife. Thurston’s roots are deep in Coosa County. He lived his entire life in the Hanover and Stewartville area. His Great-grandfather, Henry Larkin Beasley, was residing in the county before 1849. A niece, who is interested in the family history pestered Thurston into going over the countryside in the 1990’s and retelling what he knew about the family. Thurston would think on where a family place had been and even though he had not been there for 50 years, he would direct her right to the spot. But he didn’t like cemeteries – they made the hair stand up on the back of his neck. Career: He worked for and retired from the Avondale Mills. He never missed work and he had the attendance awards to prove it. After retirement, he took care of the grounds at the Stewartville School for many years. Up into his 80’s he continued working part-time jobs. Always needing to be busy, he did woodworking at a very advanced age. He did some nice carvings and folk-art for awhile. Young at Heart: In his middle 80’s Thurston started going to Jazzercise sessions at the community center. He was the only man there amongst many women and, therefore, very popular. Once in awhile, he would miss a session and invariably one of the jazzercise ladies would telephone and ask if he was coming. Ellie, his wife, never seemed too concerned. He also golfed occasionally in his 80's. He used two golf clubs: a driver and a putter. The golf balls didn’t go far but they did go straight. And I guess that’s one thing you could say about Thurston, he was a straight shooter and you could rely upon him through thick and thin. |
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