Mr. Thurman "Bubba" Starnes Jr.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7 Thurman “Bubba” Starnes Jr., 63, of Sumter, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest on June 6, 2025. He was born on August 7, 1961, in Atascadero, California, to the late Therman Starnes Sr. and Lucille Lewis Pompey. A proud graduate of Sumter High School’s Class of 1979, Thurman met the love of his life, Dorothy McCray, in 1977. The two were united in marriage on December 21, 1979, and their love stood strong for over four decades. Following high school, Thurman answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army, where he served honorably for 17 years of active duty and 2 years in the Army Reserve as a 92Y Supply Clerk. A veteran of the Desert Storm Gulf War, he was proud to have trained as part of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) while stationed at Fort Campbell, KY. His military career was one of honor, discipline, and unwavering commitment. After retiring from the Army due to medical reasons, Thurman continued serving his community through his work with Kimbrell’s Furniture, Federal Mogul (Sumter and Indiana), the Sumter DMV, and Tuomey Prisma Health. He also pursued higher education and earned an Associate Degree in Applied Science Management from Central Carolina Technical College. Thurman was baptized at an early age and later became a devoted member of Mulberry Missionary Baptist Church, where he served faithfully until his health began to decline. He was a man of strong character, known for his loyalty, integrity, and unconditional love for his family. Thurman was the kind of man who could make you laugh with his quick wit and “trash talk,” but he also knew how to give the best advice and show up when it mattered most. Stern but gentle, he raised his daughters and granddaughters to be strong, independent women, and he lived by the motto “Ride or Die” when it came to protecting his own. He is preceded in death by his parents, Therman Starnes Sr. and Lucille Pompey; his brothers Offette S. Starnes and Reginald D. Starnes; and brothers-in-laws Willie McCray and David McCray Jr. He leaves to cherish precious memories: his loving wife of 45 years, Dorothy McCray Starnes; his children Lateka Starnes, Demetri Starnes, Jessica (Latoya) Johnson, and Latesha Starnes, all of Sumter, SC; and his beloved grandchildren: Imanee Summerlin (Jordon Ponder) of McDonough, GA, Imaree Summerlin of Conway, SC, Kayla Johnson of Sumter, SC, Zaniyah Watson of Orangeburg, SC, Aniya Brailsford of Sumter, SC, and his only grandson, Markell Toney of Sumter, SC. Thurman is also survived by his siblings: Pamela (Irvin) Gober of Gainesville, GA; Beverly (James)Hargrove of Sumter, SC; Ministers Mary (Reginald) Wright of Anderson, SC; Teresa Sterling of Sunnyvale, CA; Dr. Lucretia Starnes of Kissimmee, FL; Sherry Pitt, Jean Slaton, Kevin Starnes, and Latasha Pompey all of Sumter, SC. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. Thurman “Bubba” Starnes Jr. didn’t just live. He showed us how to love, fight, and never give up. He lived a life of purpose, service, and laughter. His voice, wisdom, and spirit will live on in all who knew and loved him. Army Strong.

Mr. Thurman "Bubba" Starnes Jr.

August 7, 1961 - June 6, 2025