Obituaries

Harland L. Thayer

SIMPSONVILLE, SC – Harland Leslie Thayer, 79, formerly of Russell, MA beloved husband, father, Papa, brother and friend passed away at home on Saturday, November 24, 2012. He was born on September 20, 1933 in Springfield, MA to Howard Ashton and Gertrude (Sikes) Thayer. He graduated from Westfield High School, Westfield, MA.
Harland is survived by his wife, Adrith, and their daughters, Sharon Davis and her husband Brad, Melissa Reed, grandchildren, Lauren Davis, Caroline Davis, Christina Stitt, and Savanna Reed. Also surviving are four brothers, Roger, Leigh and wife Jackie, Glenn and wife Nancy, and Richard and wife Betty, and two sisters, Janet Maslar and husband Joe, and Connie Herman and husband Stan all from MA. Also surviving are his sisters-in-law Sarah Rowe, Norma Finlay and her husband Alex both from SC. He was predeceased by a sister, Ruth Meissner.
Harland was a proud veteran having retired as a Master Sergeant from the U.S. Air Force. He had Tours of duty all over the world including Vietnam. For several years he worked for J.D. Hollingsworth on Wheels and retired from General Electric.
A member and deacon of Mauldin First Baptist Church, he was called to a life of service, and in recent years enjoyed participating in youth mission trips with his church family. He loved hunting and the outdoors. He loved life and enjoyed a keen sense of humor, refusing to let age slow him down. He will be sorely missed.
A funeral service was held on Tuesday, November 27th at the Mauldin First Baptist Church, SC by the Reverend Wade Leonard and the Reverend L.E. Williamson. Private burial followed in the church cemetery.
Memorials contributions in Harland’s memory may be made to Mauldin First Baptist Youth Missions, 150 South Main Street, Mauldin, SC 29662 or the Russell Community Church, 58 Main Street, Russell, MA 01071.
A memorial service for Harland will be held on Sunday, December 2, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the Russell Community Church, 58 Main Street, Russell, MA.
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