Gary Stephen Thurston, 77, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 4 at his home in Hayesville.
He was born in Albuquerque, N.M. to the late Elizabeth Forrest Roberts and Guy Frederick Morgenstern. Gary served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and has been active in the Shooting Creek Community for many years.
He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Cecile Jehle Thurston; daughter, Heather Mill; several stepchildren and grandchildren; brother, Robert Thurston and sister, Barbara Martensen of Phoenix, Ariz.
Visitation were held from 12-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel, of Hayesville.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel, of Hayesville. Eulogy was given by Sam Durrance. Full military rites were conducted by the American Legion Post #96, Murphy; American Legion Post 532, Hayesville; VFW Post 6812, Hayesville; and the Marine Corp League, Marble.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shooting Creek Volunteer Fire Department, 18 Eagle Fork Road, Hayesville, N.C. 28904.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home: www.townson-rose.com was in charge of arrangements.