Doyle Eugene Thurman, “The Sunshine Kid,” 92 went home to be with his Lord and Savior on February 4, 2022.
Doyle was born on June 22, 1929 to the late Roscoe and Bertha Alice Thurman in Highland County, Ohio.
As a US Army Corporal, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, Doyle served in the Korean War. He was involved in the Battle of Heartbreak Ridge. In August 1951, Doyle’s battalion came under heavy artillery and mortar fire from the KPA. For many days his battalion fought bravely. Doyle sustained a serious leg injury from flying shrapnel after grenades and artillery fire were launched at his Infantry. Doyle laid there and prayed to the Lord asking if He would save him and his men, that he would serve the Lord for the rest of his life. After his prayer a dense fog fell over Heartbreak Ridge and Doyle was able to lead many of his fellow soldiers out of harm’s way. There were over 4,000 2nd Infantry Division casualties in the Battle of Heartbreak Ridge. Doyle was bestowed the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his sacrifice, bravery and honor. Although Doyle did not like to talk about the war or his service, he made it clear he would serve his Country again if asked.
Doyle married his first wife Laura Brunson on January 30, 1952. They lived in both Ohio and Florida. Doyle hauled travel trailers from Indiana to Florida earning his CB handle “The Sunshine Kid,” he also hauled oranges from the groves of Florida to juice plants. In addition, Doyle would preach and share his love of the Gospel to anyone that would listen, keeping the promise he had made to God in the battlefields of Korea. He lovingly cared for Laura while she battled cancer. After her passing he became lonely and longed for a mate. He wrote a letter to an old friend Ann and asked if he could come to Ohio to see her. She wrote him back saying yes. He made the journey to Ohio and after only one week of courting, he married the second love of his life Ann (Boner) Miller on July 24 1990, he cared for Ann through multiple illnesses.
Doyle will be dearly missed by his family, friends and church, Possum Road Church of God in Springfield. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sweethearts Laura and Ann, two brothers Rodney and Gerald, his daughter Deborah, stepson Randy, and granddaughter Audra. Doyle’s family includes Deborah (Larry) Gibbs, Gene Allen Thurman, Marilyn Thurman, Doyle (Wendy) Thurman and Joseph Thurman. Stepchildren; Vicki (Jody) Rork, Randy (Jo) Miller, Mike (Tammy) Miller and Brian (Kathy) Miller, as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Services will be held Friday, February 11, at 11 a.m. at Jennings Farley & Seeley Funeral Home & Crematory. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Friday. Burial will be at Huntsville Cemetery following the service.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the family to assist in final expenses.
Online Condolences may be expressed at www.jenningsfarley.com.