MSGT. Samuel Thacker Jr.

Funeral Services for Master Top Sgt. Samuel Thacker, Jr. (US Army Retired), 74, of Columbia, will be 3:00 pm Monday, March 1, 2010 at Greenlawn Funeral Home Chapel. Burial with Full Military Honors will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 pm Sunday at Greenlawn Funeral Home.

Mr. Thacker passed away on Thursday, February 25, 2010. He was born August 4, 1935 in Mickie, TN to the late Samuel and Edna Sowell Thacker. One of 12 children, Mr. Thacker attended high school with the legendary Buford T. Pusser in Tennessee. He dedicated 27 years to the Army prior to his retirement. He served in Korea and also 2 tours of duty in Vietnam. During his service, he earned the Combat Infantry Badge, as well as the Silver Star and Three Bronze Star awards. Following his retirement in 1980, he taught ROTC in Atlanta for 7 years. After returning to Columbia, he went to work for Bob Capes Realty. Mr. Thacker attended the Original Free Will Baptist Church for many years.

Surviving are his loving wife of 55 years, Misao Tanno Thacker of Yamata, Japan; his children, Samuel, Patricia, Sandra, and Jerry; and his grandchildren, Emily and Devin. He was predeceased by his parents; a daughter, Shirley Marie Thacker; and a grandson, Brent J. Nachel.

Arrangements under the direction of Greenlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Columbia, SC.