August 11, 2024, 88, Kinston —

May 16, 1936 – August 11, 2024

Thurman Decator Vincent, Jr., age 88, went to be with his Lord and Savior on August 11, 2024, after a prolonged illness at Ayden Court Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Ayden, NC.

A service of his remembrance will be held on Friday, August 16, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Gordon Street Christian Church, Kinston, NC. A reception and visitation will immediately follow the service. Burial will take place at 3:00 p.m. at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Kinston, NC.

A native of Pitt County, Thurman was born on May 16, 1936, the son of Thurman, Sr. and Marian Dunn Vincent. He graduated from Winterville High School. After he completed high school, he served his country by joining the United States Air Force and trained to become an Air Traffic Controller. During that time he met the love of his life on a blind date through both of their mutual friends.

Years later while working full time, he decided to further his education by attending Lenoir Community College and pursued a B.S. degree in Business Administration at Atlantic Christian College. He retired from McDavid Associates as an Engineering Inspector. He also previously owned and managed a retail furniture store.

During his life, he served as deacon, elder, and Chairman of the Board at Wheat Swamp Christian Church and as deacon, elder, and elder emeritus at Gordon Street Christian Church, where he was an active member. He was also active in Boy Scouts and served on the North Lenoir Water Corporation board for 36 years, for which he was president for more than 4 years. He also served as Governor of Ruritan National in the Greenville-Goldsboro District.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman, but most of all enjoyed spending time with his family, which he loved dearly.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Thurman Sr. and Marian Dunn Vincent; sisters, Nancy V. Smyth and Maxine Reel; his brother, James Noah Vincent; his beloved sister-in-law, Linda S. Wallace; and niece, Linda Ruth Wallace.

He is survived by his beloved wife and soul mate of 66 ½ years, Anne S. Vincent; two children, Timothy “Tim” W. Vincent (Jean) and their family and Andrea V. Hardison (Jack); three precious grandchildren that he dearly loved: Zachary, Holly, and Hunter Hardison; a sister, Sandra Vincent Vizzini (Joe); sister-in-law, Debra Keel Vincent; and an adopted niece/daughter, Jewel W. Tilghman and her family; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Gordon Street Christian Church or St. Jude’s Research Hospital (stjude.org).

We would also like to acknowledge the US. Veterans team and staff at Ayden Court Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for their loving care and support.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.