Benny W. Thurmond, age 79, passed away peacefully at his home in Marietta, Georgia, on June 30, 2025.

The family will receive visitors on Monday, July 7th from 6-8pm and the celebration of life on Tuesday, July 8th at 12pm in the Chapel of Marietta Funeral Home, 915 Piedmont Rd. Marietta, GA 30066, 770-422-1234.  The final resting place will follow on Tuesday July 15th at 11am at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia.

Benny was born on September 30, 1945, to C.W. "Red" Thurmond and Katherine Thurmond.  He was the cherished grandson of J.E. "Ted" Wilbur and Jewell Chastain Wilbur. All preceded in death.  He is also preceded in death by his stepdaughter, Roxanna "Connie" Simpson, and stepsons, Thomas "Tom" Norton and T. Alexander "Alex" Norton.

Benny is survived by his sisters, Carolyn Lovvorn (Ed - deceased) and Jeannie Ross (Terry); his brother, Joey Thurmond (Kathy); niece, Alicia Schuster (Matt); nephews, Jason Lovvorn (Veronica - deceased); Allen Thurmond (Jenna); great nephews, Matthew, Nathan, and Ryan Thurmond; and great nieces Audrey & Natalie Schuster, as well as many cousins he dearly loved.

He is also survived by his beloved wife, Ann Sullivan Thurmond, and stepchildren: Donna N. Patterson (James), Sampson R. "Butch" Norton, Andy J. Norton (Linda), James P. Norton, Dessie L. Dockins (Marty), and Corissa D. McGee (Brett).  He was a proud step grandfather to 14 grandchildren: Angie Patterson, Bridget Robbins, Keith Patterson (Brandi), Michael Simpson (Vicky), Christopher Simpson, Travis Dockins (Kelsey), Tayla Mangus (Branden), Tate Dockins, Alexandra "Allie" Hersko (Josh), Kai Norton, Bailey McGee Smith, Anderson McGee, Isabelle McGee Lindborg, and Maci McGee.  He also leaves behind 19 great-grandchildren and 6 great great-grandchildren, including: Stephanie Copeland (Ryan); Mackenzie Littell (Jacob); Taylor Willard (Zack); Ashlyn Allmond; Alden and Analeigh Patterson. Michael Jr., Zachary, and Summer Simpson; Shammi Samaroo and his three children, Nathan, Matthew, and Emily. Arden, Tallulah, Hattie, and Olive Dockins; Addison Mangus; Sammy Hersko; Raylen and Brooks Lindborg; Charlotte Smith; Brayleigh Allmond and Kaezleigh Sheppard; Stella Copeland; Adley Patterson; Easton Littell; and GraceLynne Willard.

Benny proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1965 to 1967 during the Vietnam War.  He trained at Fort Benning, Georgia before being stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, at the U.S. Army Artillery and Missile Center.  While stationed there, he completed the Pershing Missile Crewman Course. He held the rank of Specialist 4 in Battery B 2nd Battalion, 79th Artillery.  He was awarded medals for Rifle Sharpshooter, National Defense Service and Good Conduct.

After his military service, Benny dedicated his life to hard work as a certified mason, plasterer, and construction worker.  He took great pride in every job he completed, always staying until the work was done right.  It is evident in the house that he, his brother Joey, and his dad, Red, built for him, Ann and his stepchildren to live in since early 1970's.  He also loved working side by side with his wife, Ann, at SEMCO Trade Shows at the Georgia Congress Center in Atlanta and The Galleria in Marietta, Georgia.  He also traveled to many other states doing home and boats shows for more than twenty years.  In his latter years, Benny was employed with Ledford Automotive in Marietta for more than five years and was friends with Milton, the owner, for many years prior.  He enjoyed working with Milton and on their spare time enjoyed hunting together.

On February 17, 1969, Benny married the love of his life, Annie Lou Sullivan. For 56 wonderful years, they shared a deep and joyful partnership.  In their later years, they could often be found two-stepping in Kingston on Friday nights, line dancing, or enjoying bluegrass music.  If music was playing, they were dancing—and watching them together was nothing short of magical.

When Benny and Ann married, he embraced the challenge and blessing of becoming a stepfather to nine children, ages 2 to 16.  He loved them as his own, raising a large and beautiful family.

A true outdoorsman, Benny enjoyed hunting, metal detecting for gold, and especially fishing—his greatest passion.  He fished for both the sport and the meal, participating in many tournaments.  One of his proudest moments was placing 10th out of 372 boats in a Kentucky bass tournament with his nephew, Tommy Sullivan, winning a new bass boat.  He collected all kinds of fishing gear and lures, often walking the shoreline with Ann in search of more.

Benny will always be remembered for his iconic red beard — a signature look that led many to mistake him for Charlie Daniels or a member of ZZ Top.  His warm presence and jolly spirit made him a natural Santa Claus during the holidays, delighting children with his kind eyes and hearty laugh.  Known affectionately as the "baby whisperer," Benny had a gentle, calming way with little ones.  Babies and toddlers were instinctively drawn to him, often crawling onto his belly and falling fast asleep, wrapped in the comfort of his quiet strength. Benny loved music festivals, cake walks, Westerns, turkey shoots, and reading.  He had a memory like an elephant and was always present for family events, known for hosting unforgettable fish fries.  He will be remembered for his fierce devotion, vibrant personality, and the love he gave so freely.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the Hospice Team at Accent Care, particularly Luis (RN), who provided exceptional care for him in his final days; his personal home care team, James, Andy, Christopher and Benny's wife, Ann, who helped him throughout his illness; and to the additional family members that made a huge difference in his care; Allie (RN), Tayla (OT), Bridget, Corissa, Dessie, Kai as well as many family and friends who supported us through this difficult time.