Dewey Thurston

Dewey Michael Thurston, 70 of Statesville, N.C. passed away unexpectedly at Iredell Memorial Hospital October 26, 2013. Dewey was born in Richmond, VA on November 13, 1942. He was preceded in death by his parents Mack O'Neal Thurston and Mildred Thurston, also by his biological mother Juanita Blackburn Thurston, and a brother Billy Thurston. He and his wife Martha Tilley Thurston enjoyed 38 years of marriage after being wed on January, 26, 1975 in S.C. Dewey graduated Varina High School in Richmond, Va. and went on to train with the United States Air Force after which served in the Vietnam War. He then went to work for Clark Equipment where he was an instructor in fork lift training through Mitchell College and retired from Dana Corporation as a Class A mechanist operator. Dewey is survived by two sons Mark L. Thurston of Colorado Springs, CO., and Jeff M. Thurston (Leigh) of Richmond VA. and daughter Julie T. Dowdle (Rick) of Statesville, N.C., also five grandchildren Ethan & Karlie Dowdle, and Devin, Michael, & Marrisa Thurston. Also surviving is his brother Tommy Thurston (Karen) and cousin Mary Blanch Kennedy and a number of nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Mr. Thurston will be held 2:00 pm. Monday October 28, 2013 at Mountain View UMC with the Rev. Michael Harrill and Rev. Bob Harris officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors. A family visitation will follow at the church. Memorials may be made to Mountain View UMC. Nicholson Funeral Home will be serving the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.nicholsonfunerals.com .