Thurman Silks

Hopkinton City, R.I. — Thurman Moyer Silks, 90, of Hopkinton City, died peacefully on Friday, July 13, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Doris Anne (Browne) Silks.

Born in Detroit, Mich., on Aug. 9, 1927, to Therman Emerson and May Virginia (Moyer) Silks, both of Pennsylvania Dutch origin, he graduated from Cass Technical High School at age 17 during World War II, at which time he immediately joined the U.S. Navy.

At the completion of that military service, he entered Wayne University in Detroit, working summers in automobile factories. He transferred to the University of Michigan, where he received his bachelor’s degree in engineering physics, after being called back to duty during the Korean conflict. He earned his master’s degree in nuclear engineering in 1954, also at the University of Michigan.

Upon graduation, Thurman began his career as a nuclear engineer at the Electric Boat division of General Dynamics in Groton. He was employed by Alco Products in the atomic energy department in Schenectady, NY, from 1956 to 1958, after which he returned to Electric Boat, working a total of 40 years there. He retired in 1995 as a principal engineer.

Thurman met his wife Doris, of New London, in 1955, and they were married for over 62 years. After moving to Hopkinton City in 1958 to an historic home, Thurman became involved in the civic activities of the town, serving for six years on the Town Council as president. He served also on the Hopkinton and Chariho school committees and for many years on the Hopkinton zoning board.

He was proud to have served on the Governor’s Justice Commission, and to have been a long time member of the Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee. Thurman was a founding director of the Chariho-Exeter Community Credit Union in 1963 and served on the board for many years. He was a member of the Hopkinton Historical Association for decades and served as its treasurer for five years.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his three children, Catherine (Jose del Valle), Christopher (Nan Floyd) and Therman. He also leaves his grandchildren, Jessica Silks, Emma del Valle and Anna del Valle.

He was predeceased by his parents; and his sister, Ada Ruth Dent.

Thurman greatly enjoyed being out in the woods, gardening, feeding birds and spending time with his wife and family. His interests were varied and many.

Arrangements are entrusted to S.R. Avery Funeral Home, 3A Bank St., Hope Valley, R.I. A service will be held at the Rhode Island Veteran’s Cemetery at a later date.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Hopkinton Historical Association.

For online condolences, please visit www.averyfuneralhome.com.