Winfred Anthony Thacker

Winfred Anthony Thacker died peacefully the morning of January 5, 2013. He was born on 10/5/1925, and was a lover of the out doors, dogs and having a good time. He was passionate about college football, especially the Auburn Tigers and, in his later years, a keen follower of Women's Olympic Soccer. He was a proud veteran of World War II. He took enormous pride in his family, especially his grandson Blue. He was left-handed but played golf (also passionately) right-handed. In early years, going on trips with him could be an unsettling combination of going too fast, getting pulled over in small town speed traps, and coming perilously close to running out of gas. In later years, road trips with him were an adventure in oral history. As a retired traveling salesman, he knew every back road and cross-country shortcut, and could tell stories about everything from long-gone barbecue joints and boarding houses to who once sold moonshine just down that road or what the best selling items were at crossroads grocery stores. He was maddeningly (to his daughters) conservative/right wing, but believed in protecting the environment and a woman's right to choose. He enjoyed traveling and reading, had an amazing memory, told terrible jokes and worse puns and was excellent at math. His big plans and big schemes usually didn't work out, but he remained optimistic. He always loved to dance and sing, and he was a fantastic Grandpa.

He is survived by his daughters Nola E. Thacker and Nancy J. Thacker and Step Children Abigayle Grant (Todd), Charles H. "Trey" Evans III, Amanda Fleming, and his beloved grandchildren Kristofer Blue Russo, Richard Grant, Mary Grant, William Grant and Anderson Fleming. As well as many lifelong good friends.

People may donate to their favorite charity in his memory. A Guestbook can be found at www.whitechapel-greenwoodfh.com for sharing stories, thoughts and memories.