Kenneth L. Thurmond, 54, of Jasper, Tenn., passed away Sunday at a Chattanooga hospital.

A native of Jasper, Kenneth lived in Murfreesboro, Tenn., for almost 36 years and returned to the family home in Jasper earlier this year after being diagnosed with cancer.

He was preceded in death by his father, Burlen Thurmond. He is survived by his mother, Billie, and brother, Charles, both of Jasper.

Kenneth graduated from Marion County High School in 1974, and he attended Middle Tennessee State University, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.

A member of Havron's Chapel United Methodist Church in Jasper, Kenneth was a licensed horticulturist with a bright green thumb. A youngster at heart, he was a loving son and wonderful big brother.

Visitation at the Jasper location of Rogers Funeral Home will be Wednesday, October 26th from noon to 2:00 PM CDT. The service will follow with Greg Bartley officiating. Interment will be in Pine Grove Cemetery in Jasper.

Pallbearers are Leburt Thurmond of Hixson; Vernon Thurmond of Lookout Valley; James Raines of Thompson's Station, Tenn.; Mark Hines of Shackle Island, Tenn.; Charles Edwards of Murfreesboro; and Ben West of Jasper.

Kenneth's family is immeasurably grateful for the compassionate care provided by Dr. John Barton and the staff at the Tennessee Oncology Center in Murfreesboro; Hospice of Chattanooga; and the doctors, nurses and caregivers on the seventh floor at Erlanger hospital in Chattanooga.

The family also thanks friends from Havron's Chapel for their prayers and support.