Howard Arthur Thacker

Howard Arthur Thacker, Jr, 79 of Forest, Virginia passed away on May 31, 2023 after a brief illness. Howard was born to Hattie Shumaker Thacker and Howard Arthur Thacker from Madison Heights, Virginia in 1943. He lived with his parents and his younger sister in Amherst Virginia in his youth. Howard graduated from Amherst High School and went on to Danville Technical School to study. He would work from a young age when he wasn’t messing around with his hod rod and would learn many skills that led to a passion for building houses. Building the home he lived in for more than 30 years with his wife gave him great pleasure. He played basketball in high school, and this would become a lifelong love of his. Howard was known as a real character with his practical jokes, at times inappropriate humor and for the infectious if not mischievous smile he wore. Jimmy Buffet, Jim Beam, and the occasional Margarita were acquaintances of his. Howard was drawn to the ocean which led him to become a master scuba diver and meet Curtis who would become his best friend. The pair dove with sharks, manatees and explored shipwrecks from the quarry in North Carolina to the Bahamas always keeping the other safe and creating a little mischief along the way. Howard was a loyal husband, father, brother, and friend. He was known for his strong will, determination, and commitment to the people in his life and in the way he approached his life. He faced many challenges and met them with determination and often irritability but most of all an amazing resilience and strength. He was a good man. Howard is preceded in death by his parents, Hattie Shumaker Thacker and Howard Arthur Thacker Sr as well as many pets all of whom he loved with all his heart. Howard leaves behind his wife of 32 years, Sherri Walker-Thacker and their two dogs, Max and Trouble of Forest, Virginia. His daughter, Tara Thacker Hallett and his grand dog, Zoey of North Carolina whom he was so proud of; his loving sister, Judy Thacker Wade who always looked out for her older brother, brother-in-law, Rodger A. Wade who was so kind to help with doctor appointment transport and home projects of Forest, Virginia; and his longtime dear friend, Curtis Daily who would do anything for Howard of Madison Heights, Virginia. In lieu of flowers: Donations can be made to Forest Volunteer Fire Department who helped Howard up when he fell many times and the Lynchburg Humane Society as Howard had a great love for animals. No services are planned currently. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.