Julius Rudolph "Cuge" Thurman

Mr. Julius Rudolph “Cuge” Thurman, age 98, of Pridgen, Georgia passed away Tuesday morning, January 21, 2025 at his residence following a recent decline in health. Mr. Thurman was born December 5, 1926, in Sapps Still, Georgia to the late Thomas W. Thurman and Lilla Traynam Thurman. Immediately after his 18th birthday Mr. Thurman enlisted in the United States Army. After basic training in Paris, Texas he served as a Combat Engineer in the Pacific Theater of World War II. Following the Japanese surrender he spent two years as part of the occupation forces rebuilding bridges in the historic port city of Yokohama, Japan. He returned in 1947 and settled in the community of Pridgen, Georgia beginning a family with his wife Betty Blount Thurman. A life-long farmer he produced over 50 seasons of tobacco, corn, and soybeans. During this time he and his older brothers worked as carpenters, building barns and houses throughout the community and surrounding counties. Afterwards he enjoyed over 30 years of retirement as a cattleman. Mr. Thurman was an avid fisherman and quail hunter. He never missed an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a devoted member of the Broxton Methodist Church, where he regularly taught Sunday School and was a member of the choir. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings Louise Spell, Allie Pridgen, Elbert “Buster” Thurman, Terrell Thurman, George Thurman, and Francis Edward. Mr. Thurman is survived by his loving wife of 73 years Betty Blount Thurman of Pridgen, Georgia; 4 children: Pat Williams (Jack), Johnny Thurman (Patricia) of Douglas, Georgia, Marie Davis (E.F.) of Pridgen, Georgia, and Lisa Beadleston (Dave) of Longmont, Colorado; sister, Rita Vickers of Ambrose, Georgia; grandchildren Shannon Thurman, Randy Rathburn (Amy), Jennifer Davis, Meagan Williams (Brad), Rand Merchant (Traci), Carissa Merchant, George Thurman (Caitlin); 5 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. Mr. Thurman’s family will receive friends on Saturday afternoon, January 25, 2025 from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM in the chapel of Ricketson Funeral Home. His funeral will be at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Ricketson Funeral Home with Rev. Casey Wright officiating and Rand Merchant delivering the eulogy. Interment will follow in the Pridgen Cemetery. The family hopes that you will join them in celebrating his long and fulfilled life. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Douglas World War II Flight Training Museum or your favorite charity in his honor. Condolences and fond memories may be left for Mr. Thurman’s family at www.ricketsonfuneralhome.com (http://www.ricketsonfuneralhome.com/). Mr. Thurman’s arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionat e staff of Ricketson Funeral Home, Inc.

Julius Rudolph "Cuge" Thurman

December 5, 1926 - January 21, 2025