Thurston Honea, 90, of Tucker, Ga., died peacefully on Wednesday, November 18, 2009. He was born July 21, 1919, in Tucker to Bruce, affectionately known as J.B., and Ruth Honea. He grew up there and graduated from Clarkston High School in 1938. In 1941, Thurston married Dorothy “Dot” Kennerly. They were happily married for 52 years. Thurston was a member of Rehoboth Baptist Church for over 60 years. The friends and family of Rehoboth always played a vital part in his life. He was also a Mason at the Tucker Masonic Lodge No. 42 F. & A. M. for more than 50 years. Thurston ran the J.B. Honea and Sons Dairy until it was sold in 1959 and he began a new venture in the building business by founding Honea and Son Enterprises, Inc. At that time, the suburbs of Northeast Atlanta were in an unprecedented growth cycle and Thurston became a vital part of that building boom. He retired in 1980, but continued to dabble in real estate until 1999. From 1980 until Dot’s death in 1993, Thurston and Dot were always on the road with family and friends. They traveled the U.S. in their motor home and had a marvelous time. They were particularly fond of Wyoming. Thurston spent his last years visiting Israel, hunting in New Mexico and Wyoming, fishing in Alaska, attending horse shows and spending time at the family plantation, Silverwood, in Oakfield, Ga. In addition to wife Dot, he was preceded in death by father J.B.; mother Ruth; brothers Mel and Jake; and nephew Terry Yon. Thurston is survived by son Jimmy Honea of Lewisburg, Tenn. and formerly Oakfield, Ga.; three cherished grandchildren, Dawne Honea of Tucker, Ga.; Stacey Honea of Charlotte, N.C.; and John Honea of Panama City Beach, Fla.; and their mother, Lynn Couch, of Panama City Beach, Fla. He is also survived by brother-in-law Waymon Yon of Decatur, Ga.; niece Diane Nicholson of Twin Falls, Idaho; nephew Bob Carroll of Fayetteville, Ga.; nephew Van Yon of Lilburn, Ga.; great-niece Kim Koehn of Dahlonega, Ga.; and four great-nephews. Thurston leaves behind many long-lasting friendships. He was a man of few words, but he touched many lives with his kindness and generosity. The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Renee Yokum for her constant care and dedication to Thurston. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 20, 2009 from 6 – 9 p.m. at A. S. Turner and Son Funeral Home in Decatur, Ga. The funeral service will be held at Rehoboth Baptist Church in Tucker, Ga., on Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 1 pm. Reverend Rusty Womack will officiate. Burial will follow at Floral Hills Cemetery. A. S. Turner & Sons
