Dr. William Allen Thurman Jr., the only son of Evelyn Mozelle McGuire Thurman and William Allen Thurman Sr., died on March 6, 2017 after a prolonged illness.

Dr. Thurman was born on June 4, 1930 in Vinton, Va. He was raised there and graduated as valedictorian of William Byrd High School in 1948. He earned his B.S. degree from Roanoke College in 1952 and his MD degree from the Medical College of Virginia in 1956. He completed his residency in diagnostic radiology at the University of Virginia. While at the University, he met his wife of 53 years, Kathryn Anne Gillespie Thurman, who was there completing her B.S. in nursing; they married in 1963. Dr. Thurman practiced radiology from 1964-66 at Methodist Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. In 1966, he and his wife relocated to Richmond, Va., where he practiced radiology at Richmond Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Thurman read broadly, researched genealogy, studied history, and listened to diverse kinds of music. He loved to learn, had an analytical mind, and possessed a keen memory. He was a member and Commander of the Lee-Davis Camp of the Sons of the Confederate Veterans, the Sons of the American Revolution, and the Military Order of the Stars and Bars. He enjoyed taking trips to historic sites to gain personal perspective on the countless historical books he had consumed over the years.

Dr. Thurman’s greatest pride and passion was his family, especially his daughters: Kathryn, Sarah, and Susan. He took particular pride in his four granddaughters and never turned down an opportunity to spend even a moment’s time with them or try something of interest to his daughters and granddaughters. He was steadfast in his support of their pursuit of higher education and professional development.

The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Dr. Thurman’s honor to the Virginia Historical Society, 428 North Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23220.