Mr. Thomas Eddie Thurmond, age 90, of Gulfport passed away Saturday, September 3, 2011 in Gulfport, Mississippi. A native of Tchula, Mississippi Eddie was born August 2, 1921 to Ms. Ida Thurmond. He accepted Christ at an early age and attended West Shady Grove Baptist Church in Lexington Mississippi. He later moved to Chicago in December of 1947. Eddie was united in marriage to Tensie Thurmond in August of 1952. He united with Garfield Park Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Robert O. Dean. Upon moving to the southside in 1969 he united with Shiloh Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor W.W. Taylor. After retiring from Rush Presbyterian St. Luke�s Hospital in 1986 Mr. Thurmond relocated to Gulfport, Mississippi. He then united with Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend L.V. Holliman. Eddie was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years Tensie B. (Thompkins) Thurmond, two sons Eddie Thurmond Jr. and Willie L. Thurmond, and one brother Robert L. Thurmond Sr. Eddie is survived by his three daughters, Katherine P. Hobbs of Atlanta, GA, Linda G. Woods of Gulfport, MS and Corliss Turner of Atlanta, GA; two brothers Otha Thurmond Sr. of Memphis, Tennessee and Willie Thurmond of Chicago, Illinois, 17 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, 10 great, great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews other family and friends. The family has entrusted the care of their loved one to the caring professionalism of RICHMOND-AUGUST FUNERAL HOME. (228) 436-6722