Leroy Thurman Jr.

Leroy Thurman Jr of Waterbury went home to be with the Lord on Friday April 18, 2025 after complications of surgery at St. Mary’s Hospital. He was the loving and devoted husband of Rosemary (Smith) Thurman for sixty wonderful years and loving father of Rina Thurman, Little Cynthia Ann Thurman, Aaron L. Thurman, Manuel F. Thurman, all of Waterbury, and Big Cynthia A. Thurman of SC.  Leroy lived life fully every day of his 86 years.  Born March 24, 1939 in Hallsboro, NC he was a son of the late Leroy Thurman Sr. and Gracie (Taylor) Thurman.

After graduating high school, Leroy lived in New York  before  he began his occupational journey as a machinist for over 50 years before retiring.  He perfected his craft of producing the “super element”, a unique part that can withstand high temperatures. This skill not many machinists had accomplished. His career began at Kanthal Corp which later became Sandvic.  During these years he was an active member of the company basketball and bowling teams. He was later nicknamed superman for his skills on the court. Leroy would take his children  to the park to play basketball   and to the bowling alley.Fishing was a peaceful pastime where he taught his children how to fish and how too clean them. Frying  fish was also his specialty.  Sunday  morning’s  he would cook a big southern  breakfast  for everyone. He always  made time for his family. Leroy could tell a joke that would have you laughing so hard you would cry. And most of the time he would have tears rolling down his eyes before he could even tell the joke.

Never one to be idle, after Leroy’s retirement from manufacturing, he went on to work in the Waterbury School system as a lunch assistant at Gilmartin school.  Leroy was loved and respected by his colleagues and students alike.  His smile and cheerful greeting brightened the day for many. Friendly, generous and hardworking, Leroy was a valued and trusted friend to all who knew him. He could make a friend  standing in line at the store.His family was his greatest joy.  Loving husband and father, doting grandfather “Papa”, brother and uncle, cousin and friend- Leroy was so very loved.  His love and memory will live on in all of them.

Besides his wife Rosemary and children Cynthia  Ann, Aaron, Manuel and Big Cynthia , Leroy is survived by his adoring grandchildren: Dylesia, Manuel, Tiana, Aaron Jr, and Dominic as well as  sisters Mary Lewis and Joann Davis, both of NC. He also leaves a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  Leroy now joins in Heaven his beloved daughter Rina Thurman and his brothers Evander and Larry Thurman and sisters Annie Thurman and Mamie Brown.

Arrangements:  Friends and family are invited to visit with the Thurman family on Monday, April 28, 2025 from 10am to 12 pm at Prospect Memorial/ The Palmerie Family Funeral Home 122 Waterbury Rd., Prospect.  Funeral service will begin at 12pm at the funeral home with burial to immediately follow at New Pine Grove Cemetery where Leroy will be laid to rest.  Prospect Memorial/ The Palmerie Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements and to care for the Thurman family throughout their grief journey.  You are invited to share your favorite memories, photos and condolences on Leroy’s tribute wall on this website.

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