Dale Eugene Thurman, age 78, of Hiawassee, Ga. passed away on Tuesday, January 17, 2023. Dale was born to the late Mr. and Mrs. Worth and Norene (Henson) Thurman in Marietta, Ga. on July 14, 1944.
Thurman
He attended Young Harris College and served in the United States Air Force. Dale started his work career at his father’s Western Auto store where all the locals went for their bicycles, guns and to have their cars serviced. He continued ownership with his father and wife for a family total of 35 years.
He was a member of the Lions Club which led him to working events at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. He was the full time manager position of this Fair for 12 years. Dale worked briefly with the Greater Gulf State Fair in Mobile, Ala. and then served as the manager of Gwinnett County Fairgrounds for 27 years. After working in fair management since the 1980s, Dale retired November 1, 2022 and returned home full time to Hiawassee.
He and his wife Beatrice (Bryson) were married 55 years and have two daughters, Leslie Kelley and Dawn Wright; grandchildren, Connor and Erin Kelley; step grandchildren, a step great-grandchild and a number of nieces, nephews and extended family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Worth and Norene Thurman; brother, Glynn Thurman; and sister, Maxine Nichols.
Visitation will be Friday, January 20, 2023 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Banister-Cooper Funeral Home in Hiawassee. The funeral will be Friday, January 20 at 2 p.m. at Banister-Cooper Funeral Home, with burial in Laurel Hills Cemetery.
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