John Early Thrasher III's Obituary
John Early Thrasher III, age 93, of Micanopy passed away on June 4, 2022 at Oak Hammock. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Eleanor Gretchen Keller Thrasher, his parents John Early Thrasher Jr. and Raymond ‘Rae’ O’Neal Thrasher of Micanopy and siblings, Annie Rae ‘Anne’ Thrasher Pruitt and Martha Cade Thrasher Whittington.
John was born on November 29, 1928 and lived in Micanopy, Florida, where his grandfather and great grandfather settled in 1875. He attended the local public school, and for high school, the P.K.Yonge Laboratory School at the University of Florida, graduating in 1946. He attended the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, where he had a group major (English, Sociology and Music) and earned a BA degree in August of 1950. John studied piano at the University and sang for one year with the University of Florida Glee Club.
John was drafted into the U.S. Army on November 10, 1950. He was stationed in Ft. Bragg, N.C. in the 403rd Evacuation Hospital and later at Camp Pickett, Virginia where he attained the rank of Sergeant (E-5). He also served in the 7th Evacuation Hospital in lder-Oberstein and Baumholder, Germany, before being honorably discharged on November 1, 1952.
John returned to the University of Florida and earned his Masters Degree in Education (MED) in August 1954. He had been a student intern at Lake Shore Junior High School in Jacksonville, Florida, and returned there to teach social studies for twelve years. During summers and weeknight classes, John pursued other graduate programs and became certified in Guidance, Administration, Supervision and Adult Education. For twelve years he taught the GED program in the evenings. For twenty-four years he served in various capacities, especially Guidance and as Assistant Principal for Curriculum. He retired from the Duval County School system in June 1990.
John met Eleanor in Paris, France, on September 15, 1952 while on leave from the Army. They were married on June 26, 1955 in Bronxville, N.Y. They lived in Jacksonville for thirty-five years. The family were active members of St. John's Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville, Florida.
John was active with the Boy Scouts of America, Troop #2 for twelve years. He sang in the St. John's Presbyterian Church Choir for many years and with several oratorio groups.
When John retired, he and Eleanor returned to Micanopy and built a home (1990) on his property at Fish Prairie.
John was the founding President of the Micanopy Historical Society in 1983. He served as President, Secretary and Treasurer. He and Eleanor served as docents in the Museum, and he as Archivist, computerizing the information in the Archives. He was a founding member of the Board of the Thrasher Warehouse Preservation Corporation (non-profit) in 1987 and has served as President, Secretary and Treasurer. He was also active in the Gainesville Camellia Society and served as President and Show Chairman. He is a camellia grower, American Camellia Society judge, gentleman farmer, classical music enthusiast, dedicated genealogist, and an avid reader. He has been an active member of the Thrasher Family Association since its formation in 1973 and served as Chairman. In 2017, he became a member of the Jamestowne Society.
John is survived by his son, John F. Thrasher & Kathy Thrasher of Newberry, Florida; daughter, Gretchen Thrasher Harris & William P Harris III of San Diego, California; and grandchildren John Patrick and Phoenix (spouse) Thrasher, Anna Marjory Thrasher, William Patrick and Monika (spouse) Harris IV, Paige Christine Harris and Kelly Rae Harris and three great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at the Micanopy Historical Society Museum, 607 NE Cholokka Blvd., Micanopy, FL
In lieu of flowers, memorials to The Micanopy Historical Society Archives, Box 462, Micanopy, Florida 32667and Haven Hospice in Gainesville, Florida.
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