A beloved resident of Marietta, Georgia, Thurman Lawrence Faison has sadly passed away on January 1, 2026, at the age of 87, closing a chapter on a life rich with faith, service, and quiet dedication to others.
Thurman entered the world on February 17, 1938, in Texarkana, Texas, born to Lois Artilla Hopkins and Paul Lawrence Faison. Life shifted early when he and his mother moved to Los Angeles, California, where the bustling city streets and diverse neighborhoods shaped his upbringing. He attended Manual Arts High School but felt a pull toward something bigger, enlisting in the U.S. Air Force at just 17 in 1956.
Those four years in uniform built a strong foundation. Thurman earned his GED, trained in radar school, and served as an Aircraft Control and Warnings Operator. A posting in Morocco opened his eyes to the world beyond America, while his excellence earned him “Airman of the Month” with the 655th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron in northern New York.
Thurman’s journey from Texas to California, Canada, and Minnesota reflects a life of perseverance and purpose. His commitment to faith and education laid the foundation for a ministry that touched countless lives. He will be remembered not only for his accomplishments but for the compassion, wisdom, and guidance he offered to those around him.
His passing is a profound loss to his family, friends, and community, but his legacy endures in the lives he influenced and the faith he lived so fully. Thurman Lawrence Faison’s story is one of service, devotion, and love—a life that will continue to inspire all who knew him. Those who knew Thurman speak of his kindness first, then his deep faith in God, his thoughtful intellect, and the quiet strength that steadied everyone around him.
Thurman’s journey touched continents and countless lives, from military bases to inner-city revivals to family gatherings filled with stories and laughter. In Marietta and beyond, his absence leaves a gentle void, but the example of his faithful, compassionate heart will guide his large family and many friends for years to come. He will be deeply missed, yet fondly remembered as a man who lived with purpose and love.