Reverend Thurmon Ray Harris, 79, of Madisonville, Ky., passed away February 23, 2017, at Baptist Health Madisonville.

Thurmon was born June 17, 1937, in Logan County, Ky., to Rhea and Flora Johnson Harris. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by grandson Jordan Lamb and siblings Louvernia Penuel, Nolvis Harris, and Anita Jo Whittaker.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Peggy Martin Harris; three daughters, Amy Harris Pecaro (husband Dan), Jill Harris Lamb, and Emily Harris McDaniel (husband Michael); three grandchildren, Alicia Pecaro Sims (husband Joshua), Justin Pecaro, and Diana Pecaro; great-granddaughter Lillian Faye Sims; sister Mildred Harris Gibbs; nephews, nieces and cousins.

As a child, Thurmon attended a one-room country school from first through eighth grades in Beechland, Ky., and graduated from Lewisburg High School in 1955. He enrolled at Bethel Junior College and Belmont College before graduating from Union University in 1960 with a BA in English. Upon completion of his undergraduate studies, Thurmon earned a Master of Divinity from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky.

He served as pastor for seven churches: Bryantsville Baptist Church, Garrard County, Ky.; Jamestown Baptist Church, Jamestown, Ky.; First Baptist Church, Griffith, Ind.; Victory Baptist Church, Providence, Ky.; Mount Carmel Baptist Church, Ohio County, Ky.; Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Muhlenberg County, Ky.; and LaFayette Baptist Church, Dawson Springs, Ky.

His ministry of preaching, writing, and visitation impacted thousands. He donated his time and resources to numerous ministries, including Bright Life Farm in Caldwell County, Ky., African missions, and various evangelism efforts.


A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at First Baptist Church 246 N. Main St. Madisonville, KY with Rev. Bill Egbert officiating. Visitation will be from Noon until the funeral hour Saturday at the church.

A funeral service will also be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, February 27, 2017 at Beechland Baptist Church 3551 Beechland Rd. Lewisburg, KY with Rev. Al Cobb officiating. Visitation will be from Noon until the funeral hour Monday at the church. Burial to follow the funeral at Beechland Baptist Church Cemetery.

Harris Funeral Home in Madisonville is in charge of the arrangements.

Pallbearers are Justin Pecaro, Roy Lee Whittaker, Michael McDaniel, Joshua Sims, Dan Pecaro and Scott Layne.

Memorial contributions may be made in Thurmon's memory to Bright Life Farms 10200 Farmersville, Rd. Princeton, KY 42445 or International Mission Board of the SBC 3806 Monument Ave. Richmond, VA 23230.