Thurman Claude Wyatt

Thurman Claude Wyatt, age 86, of Shawsville, Virginia, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2024. He was born on August 1, 1937, in Ashe County, North Carolina, where he spent his early childhood. As a teenager, his family moved to Pennsylvania. He married his wife, Sylvia, in 1958.

Thurman had a variety of jobs in his youth but began working his lifelong trade as a mechanic at Ford Motor Company in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. He went on to work for Worthy Bros. Pipeline in Wilmington, Delaware, as a mechanic and later a shop foreman for approximately 27 years. 

After his time at Worthy Bros., he went on to live in his wife’s hometown of Shawsville, Virginia. The two of them went into business with their daughter and son-in-law at Wyatt & Trail Oak Furniture where he eventually retired in 1997. After his retirement he began doing small engine repairs in his backyard workshop for friends and neighbors.

Thurman loved telling stories and talking with friends and family. He was a great conversationalist and kept everyone up to date on current events. He enjoyed his westerns (especially Gunsmoke), playing the lottery, watching “The Wheel”, listening to bluegrass music, and playing his guitar. 

Thurman was preceded in death by his wife, Sylvia Conner Wyatt, his parents Bynum and Clyde Wyatt, his brothers Gwyn Wyatt, Charles “Ned” Wyatt Sr., his sister Geraldine Wyatt Vannoy and his granddaughter Christina Wyatt Lucas. He is survived by his sister, Kathleen Wyatt Tunnell; his daughters Debra Starkey, Linda Trail (Gilbert), Alma Taylor (Larry); his sons Joseph Wyatt “Joe” (Judy), Thurman C. Wyatt Jr. “T.C.” (Janet), and Dougie Wyatt (Gina); thirteen grandchildren; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren. He also leaves behind numerous family and friends that he cherished. Thurman’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Whitney and Iva at Heritage Hall, as well as the staff at Enhabit Home Health for the kindness and care they provided to him.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, July 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Horne Funeral Home in Christiansburg, VA. Funeral Services will begin at 1 p.m. with Rev. Leon Alley and Pastor Nancy Lane officiating. Interment will follow at Piedmont Cemetery in Shawsville, VA.