Wallace Garvin ‘Wally’ Thurmond a resident of Sedro-Woolley for the past 35 years passed Friday, July 4, 2003 at his home at the age of 79 years. He was born January 27, 1924 in Florence, Washington the son of Herbert and Bertha Larson Thurmond. Wallace grew up in the Stanwood and Camano Island area’s working on farms and later operating the first hamburger stand on Camano Island called Wally’s Hamburgers. He later owned and operated numerous business’s in Stanwood and Skagit County. Wally was married to Betty Cashwiler Norvell Benjamin on November 3, 1988 in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. Wally was a veteran of WWII serving with the US Navy and he was a member of Frank H. Hancock Post #92 American Legion of Stanwood. He enjoyed hunting, gardening, and spending time with his family and friends. Wally is survived by his wife Betty of the family home in Sedro-Woolley. 3 children Jeff Thurmond and his companion Pam Helm of Sedro-Woolley, Susan and her husband Ron Schauer of Clear Lake, and Cathy and her husband Cliff Butler of Sedro-Woolley. 4 stepchildren Randy Norvell of Salem, OR, Tammy Cameron of Alger, Cherie McAlpine of Lake Stevens, and Laurie Knepper of Cresent Lake, OR. 14 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers Lynn and Merle Thurmond and 2 sisters Rosemary Arnes and Barbara Knudsen and a grandson Brent Olander. Wally will be greatly missed by his family and his little dog ‘Opie’.
A Celebration of Life will take place Saturday, July 12, 2003 from 2PM to 6PM at the Family Home in Sedro-Woolley. Memorials are suggested to Alzeimer’s Association 12721 30th Ave NE #101 Seattle, WA 98125 or the Food Bank. You are invited to share your thoughts and memories of Wally by signing our online guestbook at www.lemleychapel.com.
Arrangements and cremation under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.