David Thacker born May 22, 1930, to Mary Jane Ritchie Thacker and William (Will) Thacker at Leburn, Kentucky. David grew up in a loving family surrounded by his sister Janice and brothers Robert and Paul. Added to this family were a half-brother Irvine and two half-sisters Cuba and Margaret.  David's early life was  greatly impacted by his attending elementary school at Upper Mill Creek. After grade school it was on to Hindman High School for David. David met and married Betty L. Slone, daughter of Bobby and Gracie Slone of Garner. To this union was born three children: Marty of Leburn, Dava Lynn Rice of Cynthiana, Kentucky, and Brian Lee of Fort Meyers, Florida.

These are the basic facts of David Thacker's life but David was much more than just these. Aside from his family one of his greatest loves was the Hindman Volunteer Fire Department. For thirty years David was associated with this organization is various ways. During this time he held both assistant chief and the position of chief.

David was also active in other civic organizations as he served as a Boy Scout leader, member of Civil Defense, member of the Board of  Directors of June Buchanan Clinic, Board Member of Appalachian Regional Hospital, treasurer for Knott County Extension Office, and was selected as the Lions Club Citizen of the year for 1988-89.

For forty-one years David was a faithful employee of Thacker-Grigsby Telephone Company. His ability to work with the public had a lasting impact and is in a major way responsible for the success Thacker-Grigsby enjoys today.

Looking beyond David's work, family, and community organizations he was an avid fan of riding his 4-wheelerover the mountains he loved so much. Many have enjoyed these trips with David as he encouraged them to spend the weekend riding and camping with him.  His warm smiling face and his gentle attitude is what endeared him to all that he met and it is these attributes that will always be remembered about him.

Submitted by Corbett Mullins
March 2003