Dr. John C. Thigpen

JACKSONVILLE — A memorial service for Dr. John C. Thigpen, 89, is scheduled for 3 p.m., Saturday, January 6, 2024, at Autry Funeral Home in Jacksonville with Pastor Steve Edwards officiating. Visitation will begin 1 hour before.

Dr. Thigpen was born on July 21, 1934, to Samuel Claud and Volga (Wanjura) Thigpen and passed away on January 3, 2024. John Carroll Thigpen, affectionately known as “Carroll” by his mother, “Brother” by his older sibling Claud, and “John” by the USAF later became known as “Dr. John” by his friends and colleagues. John himself was a man of many talents and exemplary traits. One stand-out observation about John was his unconditional love and compassion for people including his family, friends, patients, and especially children. John was fun and enjoyable to be around.

John had several interests and hobbies which included working with cattle, target shooting, and embarking on mission trips with church groups. John rarely passed up opportunities to invest in the lives of others locally and globally when he was able. He was a member of the Lions Club and considered Central Baptist Church in Jacksonville his church home where he taught preschool Sunday school for 50 years.

John came from humble beginnings and was blessed to meet the love of his life, Peggy, at a young age. They were married and blessed with 68 years together. Along the way, John was quite accomplished as he successfully received his Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Houston resulting in a superb career of service to others. In addition, John served honorably in the USAF.

Dr. Thigpen was preceded in death by his parents, S. Claud and Volga Thigpen; brother, Claud Eugene Thigpen; and grandson, Alec Heath Thigpen.

Left to cherish Dr. Thigpen’s memory are his loving wife of 68 years, Peggy McLaren Thigpen of Jacksonville; son, John S. Thigpen and wife Brenda of Jacksonville, Texas; and daughter, Jill Preece and husband Danny Vazquez of Portlandville, New York. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Anthony and wife Brittany, and Nicolai; great-grandson, Baine; numerous nieces, and nephews including special niece, Jerlyn Mardis.

Honorary pallbearers will be Anthony Thigpen, Nicolai Preece, John Thomason, Charles Jasper, Tom Hargett, Johnny Sanderson, Bill Sherman, and Gordon Hendrickson.