William Thacker,

Mr. William Ward Thacker, Sr., age 84, of Broxton passed away Sunday Night, September 9, 2012, at his residence, following an extended illness. Mr. Thacker, a native of Lakeville, Indiana, was a prominent Cattle and Poultry Farmer. He had previously worked with the New York Central Railroad, Studebaker, Skyline and Vintage Homes, Douglas Abattoir. He was the son of the late William Benton Thacker and the late Nellie Sechrist Thacker. He was also preceded in death by a son, William Ward Thacker, Jr., and a grandson, William Jacob 'Jake" Thacker. He was a U. S. Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict, where he attained the Rank of Sgt. First Class and was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor. Mr. Thacker was a Baptist by Faith. Survivors include, his wife: Mary Nell Ricketson Thacker of Broxton, Ga., Grandson: Derek Thacker of Broxton, Ga., Granddaughters: Kayla Thacker McKinnon, and Gracee Myers, both of Broxton, Ga., Great Grandchildren: Taylor Crews and Hadleigh Crews, both of Broxton, Ga., Sisters-In-Law: Dell Thacker of Mishawaka, Indiana; Anna Lee Thacker of Denver, Colorado, Edna Thacker of Lakeville, Indiana; Jean S. Latham of Waycross, Ga., Doris R. Batten, and Myrtle R. Mathews, both of Douglas, Ga., Frankie R. Smith of Jamestown, North Carolina; J. T. (Jean) Ricketson of Fort Valley, Ga., And David Looper (Son in Love) of Gainesville, Ga. Several Nieces, Nephews, Friends, and Other Relatives. Funeral Services were held Saturday, September 15, 2012, at 4:00 P. M., at the First Baptist Church, with Dr. Shep Johnson officiating. Eulogies were presented by Ted Thacker, David Looper, Steve and Gracee Myers, Terry Cook, and J. T. Ricketson. The Interment followed in the Salem Cemetery, with Personnel from Fort Stewart Army Base furnishing the Flag Detail, Mr. Steve Myers presented "Taps", and Personnel from the National Guard of Griffin, Ga. furnishing the Firing Squad. Active Pallbearers were: Greg Batten, Clifton Mathews, Ted Thacker, Richard Latham, Ron Sealy, Casey Goble, L. A. Ricketson, Justin Coody, and Robert Thacker, Jr. Honorary Pallbearers were: Ed Anderson, Shelia Barlow, Ted and Donna Barnes, Allison Brice, Landon, Jennifer, and Jake Castleman, Buddy and Rita Deen, Dr. Bo and Mirt Dockery, Beth Durst, Bill Evans, Jo Ann Ford, Davis Fordham, Paul and Sonya Gilbeau, Chad Gilliard, Bobby Gladden, John Haas, Annette and J. R. Harrell, Dr. Justin Harrell, Terry Harrell, Renee Harrell, Scott and Wendy Houser, Walt Joiner, Chris Joiner, Herschel Jones, Ronnie and Mary Sue Lee, Steve Lee, Danny and Donna Lott, J. L. and Louise McClelland, Alex McClelland, Roy and Janice Mixon, Barbara Myers, Bob Parker, Rita Robinson, George Sapp, Clay Smith, Mary B. Smith, Doug and Ginger Tarver, Antwan and Sterlyn Thomas, Janet Wade, June Waldron, Zach Williams, Ethridge and Sharron Wright, Bethany Hospice Staff, and Sara Betty Sunday School Class. Special Musical Selections, "He Leadeth Me" presented acappella by Tania and Gracee Myers, and Wendy Houser, "Serenaded By Angels" and "Oh, What A Savior" presented by Tania and Gracee Myers, with Tania Myers at the Piano, and Benny Smith on the Guitar, "Going Home" presented by Ernest and Joyce Harper, with Tania Myers, at the Piano, and Benny Smith, on the Guitar. If you would like to sign the Guestbook, please go Online to www.ricketsonfuneralhome.com. Ricketson Funeral Home was in charge of the Arrangements.

William Thacker,

December 27, 1927 - September 9, 2012