TITLE: In memory of Charles William Thurman.

SUMMARY: In memory of Charles William Thurman.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A life made rich through meaningful service drew to a close with the passing of Charles William Thurman on November 26, 2022, at the age of 69; and WHEREAS, Charles Thurman was born in Texas City on March 22, 1953; active in Little League baseball in his youth, he was an outstanding pitcher and was supported by his family at all of his games; together, they enjoyed going on camping trips and visiting Galveston beaches; through the years, he developed an interest in surfing, and he built surfboards in the garage with his mother; he was an alumnus of Texas City High School; and WHEREAS, Continuing the proud tradition of military service established by his father and grandfather, Mr. Thurman joined the U.S. Navy in 1977; after completing flight engineer school, he was stationed at several locations, including at Naval Air Station Barbers Point and Naval Station Pearl Harbor in Hawaii; from 1992 to 1995, he served with an air test and evacuation squadron in Maryland, and he was part of a special projects unit at NAS Barbers Point until 1998; his final assignment was at the Naval Aviation Depot in Jacksonville, Florida; he retired in April 2001, concluding a 24-year career at the rank of chief E-7; and WHEREAS, In recognition of his distinguished service, Mr. Thurman received numerous awards, including three Navy Commendation Medals, five Achievement Medals, the Southwest Asia Service Medal, and a Humanitarian Service Medal; and WHEREAS, Pursuing his passion for aviation, Mr. Thurman subsequently embarked on a second career, first flying commercial jets and then serving as a pilot for NetJets from 2006 to 2019; and WHEREAS, Mr. Thurman treasured time spent with his family; he was a loving husband to his wife, Rose, and he took great pride in his daughter, Jennifer; and WHEREAS, Although Charles Thurman is deeply missed, memories of his patriotism and his devotion to his loved ones remain to comfort and inspire those he leaves behind; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Charles William Thurman and extend heartfelt condolences to his relatives and friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Charles Thurman. Shine Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 353 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on March 15, 2023. Chief Clerk of the House