GARFIELD — Thurman Elbert Nance Jr.,

75, of Garfield, Ark., departed this life for the next on Monday, April 8, 2024. He was born on February 18, 1949, to Thurman Elbert Nance and Louise (Pollock) Nance.

Thurman retired from Phillips Petroleum Company as Regional Vice President of Refining in 2003, and he then began the best chapter of his life with the love of his life and best friend, Sharon, on Beaver Lake. During his retirement, he cherished spending time with his family. He had a deep love for bird hunting, particularly with his sons, though he enjoyed hunting with most – and outshooting all – who were willing to hunt alongside him. He also enjoyed fishing, and he was as natural with a fly rod as he was with a shotgun. His other favorite sport was giving his friends and family a friendly hard time. He never lost his touch or that twinkle in his eye. Thurman touched many lives in his 75 years, though none more than his family, who loved him fiercely.

Thurman is preceded in death by his father and mother.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sharon Hersey Nance of Garfield, Ark., and by his three children, Brandon Nance and wife Michelle of Boerne, Texas; Clayton Nance of Oklahoma City; and Robyn Nance of Amarillo, Texas. Also surviving are his four granddaughters, Cadence, Keylee, Annabelle, and Mekenzy Nance.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Rollins Funeral Home in Rogers, Ark., beginning at 2 p.m. In honor of Thurman, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org).