Donald Gulley Thurston, 84, of Crozet, died on Tuesday, January 8, 2019, at his home.

Born on August 9, 1934, in Albemarle County, he was the son of the late Claude Wood and Mary Via Thurston and was the husband of the late Ruby Lee Thurston. In addition, he was preceded in death by six sisters and five brothers.

He is survived by two daughters, Sandra Lee Rea and her husband, Gene, and Wanda Thurston and her wife, Betsy, all of Crozet; one granddaughter, Megan Brooke Talbott of Buckhannon, W.Va.; numerous nieces and nephews with one special niece, Susan Thurston; and one adopted grandson, Hunter Keith Radcliff of Buckhannon, W.Va.

Known to most as Donnie, he served in the U.S. Army from 1954-1963 as a Sergeant First Class, Special Forces. For Donnie, family was first and foremost, and he loved each and everyone in his own way.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, January 11, 2019, at the Crozet Baptist Church with the Reverend David Collyer officiating. Interment will follow at Holly Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends the hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the charity of one's choice. Condolences may be offered at teaguefuneralhome.com.

Submitted by Sue Critzer Hughes.