William Byrd High School Alumni

Vinton, Virginia (VA)

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Richard Alan Thrasher Obituary (1947 - 2024)

Born Jun 29, 1947, Richard Alan Thrasher attended William Byrd High School in Vinton, VA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Richard Alan Thrasher.

Graduation Year Class of 1966
Date of Birth Jun 29, 1947
Date of Passing Jun 20, 2024
About Also graduate of Va Tech 1970. Teacher and coach at WBHS until retiring in 2004
Events Oakeys Vinton 7/13/2024
Richard Alan Thrasher

Classmate Memories

Steve Thrasher '78 Message

Steve Thrasher '78 said:

Richard passed away Thursday 6/20/2024 after a lengthy battle with numerous health issues. He was 76 years old. Born in Vinton, VA to parents Roy Wade Thrasher and Frances Wood Thrasher. He is predeceased by both parents and a brother, David Thrasher. He is survived by brother and sister in law Steve and Becky Thrasher and sister Donna Thrasher Jacobs. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, Tom (Tima) Thrasher, Kate Thrasher (Mike Flannigan), Win Hartranft, Sherri Dooley-Griffith (Mayne), Jimmy (Nuria) Dooley, Cassiopea Jacobs. Nine dear great nieces and nephews. Also, dear friend Susan Connor.
He was married for over 20 years to the former Vickie Thomas and thoroughly enjoyed being part of a family including her two children, Mary Beth Penick Goode and Byron Penick.
He is a 1966 graduate of William Byrd HS where he enjoyed playing on the basketball team. He graduated from Virginia Tech in 1970 and went to work for Roanoke County Public Schools, first at AR Burton in 1970 then at his alma mater William Byrd HS, retiring in 2004. He taught Government, History, Social Studies and Personal Law. His passion was coaching. He coached track and Cross Country for many years. He also coached JV boys basketball but is probably best remembered as the head Girls Basketball coach, for 15 years. His teams held a record of 301-91. They also played in the state tournament numerous years (eight times in the Group AA final four) and won the Group AA state title in 1997 with the team being recognized on Wheaties cereal boxes. He was named the state Group AA Coach of the Year by VHSL 3 times. Although he had many achievements, he considered his greatest achievements as the success of his student athletes and assistant coaches. He took great pride in following the careers of all his athletes.
He was a cancer survivor. In the early 1970’s he survived Hodgkins Lymphoma and during the 1990’s he survived Colon cancer. He was a fighter and his coaching career helped him fight through his many health issues. He put up a good fight right up to the end.
If they have a basketball court in heaven, he will be there!
A visitation and memorial will be conducted at Oakey’s Vinton chapel on Saturday 7/13/2024. Visitation at 12:30 followed by a service at 2pm.

Memorial donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the William Byrd HS athletic booster club.

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