To My Wonderful Family,
“I have loved each of you unconditionally and from the bottom of my heart always. It was heaven here on earth with you”. – Jake
During the softness of the early afternoon hours of Friday, March 20, 2026, Glenn Loyd Thrasher (Jake) slipped the surly bonds of earth to reach out his hand and touch the face of God.
Glenn (Jake) was born on Jan. 24, 1933, in Blount County to James Chalmer Thrasher and Carrie M. Coker Thrasher.
Jake, as he is affectionately known to family and friends, graduated from J.B. Pennington High School in 1952. He was a 22-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force (Master Sergeant). Early on in his military career, he was an aircraft engine specialist and later became a flight engineer, who flew to many countries helping people and spreading hope and peace around the world.
He married the love of his life, Zannai White, on March 28, 1953. Over 73 beautiful years together, they raised two children and created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and devotion. Their joy multiplied with the arrival of their granddaughter, Alex—now married with two children—and their dear step-grandson, Hunter. He cherished his family profoundly, just as they loved him with all their hearts.
Jake was a member of the First Baptist Church, a longtime member of the Masons and member of the Airforce Sergeants Association. He certainly enjoyed his coffee buddies at McDonald’s where they brewed up all kinds of stories and laughs. He was known to attend local car shows with his sporty 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass and could fix anything. He had a magic touch for the garden, where his oldest great grandson would always run and eat Papa’s fresh tomatoes. To know Jake was to love him and have genuine friend for life.
He is survived by his loving wife, Zannai Thrasher; son Brian (Amanda) Thrasher; Granddaughter Alex (Jordan) Thrasher Lesley; Two great grandsons Crue and Case Lesley; Step Grandson Hunter Thrash; son in law Scott Gravette; brother Waylon (Fayra) Thrasher; and a host of special nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his daughter, Janice Thrasher Gravette; mother Carrie Coker Thrasher; father James Chalmer Thrasher; and brother James Verdell Thrasher.
Services will be at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel on March 25, 2026. Visitation with family will be between the hours of 12:00 noon and 2:00pm. The funeral service will be at 2:00pm with Dr. Paul Murphy and Mr. Rhett Leak officiating. Air Force Honors personnel and pallbearers will escort Jake to his final resting place in Arab Memorial Cemetery. Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel is assisting the family.
