January 22, 2022, 90, Pine Level –
Dr. Kenneth Lee Thrasher, of Pine Level, passed away on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at UNC Johnston Health in Smithfield.
Dr. Kenneth Lee Thrasher was born March 22, 1931 in Alcorn, Mississippi to the late Luther Lee Thrasher and Exie Kennedy Thrasher.
Dr. Thrasher was a U.S. Air Force Veteran. While stationed in England, he was a member of the Methodist Circuit Riders and preached in small country parishes every Sunday. He was also chosen by the Air Force to attend Cambridge University.
After returning to the U.S., Dr. Thrasher received degrees from Baylor University, Southern Seminary, University of Missouri and Union Theological Seminary. He served as an associate minister at Talbot Park Baptist Church in Norfolk, V.A., minister at Great Fork Baptist Church in Suffolk, V.A., and minister at Sharon Baptist Church in Smithfield, N.C. In addition, he was adjunct professor of Philosophy and Religion at Johnston Community College. He is also listed in the Who’s who in Religion.
In 1977, he conducted a preaching tour in England, preaching at many churches he had formally preached for while stationed in Norfolk, England.
Dr. Thrasher authored two internationally published books entitled “Jesus Christ Is with Us” and “With Christ Today in Paradise.” He enjoyed religious music, painting, was a great chef, and enjoyed spending time with his family.
He was a faithful member of Pine Level Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Judy Batts Thrasher; son, Karl Batts Thrasher and wife Crystal; daughter, Amy Ken Thrasher Becksted; grandchildren, Russell Thrasher, Justin Thrasher, Nina Becksted and Nick Becksted.
Due to the Covid pandemic a private family service will be held in the Batts Family Cemetery in Wilson County and we request no visitations at this time. The service will be officiated by Reverend Dwight Batts, brother of Mrs. Thrasher.
Donations and memorials on his behalf may be made to the Pine Level Baptist Church, 110 S. Peedin Ave., Pine Level, NC 27568 or the National Institute of Health – Covid-19 Research (https://philanthropy.mayoclinic.org/donateMC).
