William Cecil Thurston, born on March 3, 1945, in Lexington, Kentucky, passed away peacefully in Florida on May 30, 2026, at the age of 81.
A proud Vietnam veteran, William served his country with distinction during the Vietnam conflict. He served with the 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron and the 86th Military Airlift Squadron at Travis Air Force Base. The latter part of his military career was spent with the Naval Reserve VTU 3008 Unit, stationed at the 7th Fleet Repair Facility in Yokosuka, Japan.
William dedicated his life to service, aviation, and family.
In his civilian career, he was a highly respected Flight Engineer. He received his doctorate in Engineering Science from the University of Oxford in England, specialising in “Aeronautics”. Throughout his distinguished aviation career, he worked for Saudia Arabian Airlines, Japan Air System (JAS), and Polar Air Cargo, where he supported Operation Iraqi Freedom through the Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF). Prior to his retirement, he served as an Airworthiness Liaison for FedEx. Aviation was not only his profession—it was his lifelong passion.
He was also a Master Mason who attained the 33 th degree in the Scottish Rite. He was a member of Albert Pike Lodge No. 303 in Wichita, Kansas.
William had a charming wit and a magnetic personality. He was an exceptional chef, the family’s unofficial life coach, and the person everyone turned to for advice, knowledge, and support. He enjoyed a fine Scotch, he took his whisky neat and his coffee black, and his conversations lively. He was an avid golfer, a sailor, a devoted dog lover, and a passionate traveler who journeyed far and wide until he found his Turkish princess, Seher, to accompany him on life’s greatest adventure.
Above all, William was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife, Seher Thurston, and his cherished daughters, Tammy, Wendy, and Öykü. He was a proud grandfather to 7 grandkids and 10 great- grandkids. He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and who will carry his memory forward with pride.
William will be remembered for his wit, strength, loyalty, kindness, sense of adventure, and unwavering love for his family. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered…🕊️
Military Honors Service will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida, where he will be laid to rest.