Obituary of Thurston Griffeth Sayre

Thurston Griffeth Sayre of Cortland, NY passed away July 3, 2013 at Cortland Regional Medical Center at the age of 89. Thurston was born Feb 17, 1924 in Cortland, NY, the son of Merritte Lee Sayre and Blanche Griffeth Sayre Granger and was a lifelong resident of Cortland. He retired from the NYS Health Dept in 1988. Thurston met his "Pet Brunette", Billie, in Hollywood,CA, while both were serving in the US Marine Corps, and they were married Dec 3, 1945. He was a veteran of WWII serving in the South Pacific with the 6th Reg, 2nd Div,, was wounded in action and was awarded the Purple Heart. He was a Charter member of the Marine Corps League, a member of the VFW, DAV, and Elks Club. He was also a member of the Cortland Country Club. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 67 yrs Mary(Billie) Hahn Sayre, a son Stephen L(Linda) of E Greenbush, NY, 2 daughters Cynthia A(Daniel) Havellana of Wagoner,OK and Susan K(Leroy)Havellana of Scottsdale,AZ, 9 grandchildren and 19great-grandchildren. Wright-Beard is handling the arrangements. Per Thurston's request, there will be no calling hours. A burial service with military honors will be held at Cortland Rural Cemetery on Wed, July 10 at 11 am. to offer online condolences visit www.wright-beard.com During my all too brief time in Cortland I have great memories...most of them revolve around the Cortland Country Club. "Thursty" was one of the many people there I enjoyed spending time with, but most memorable were the times we spent playing pool downstairs in the club house. I will always think of his incredibly positive, friendly way with everyone. I just know he's in heaven now finishing up a perfect round of golf and looking forward to "running the table" on this youngster. My heartfelt condolences to his wife Billie and the entire Sayre family. Philip Chase Dad, you were the first man I ever loved and you will always be my hero. You and Mom showed us how to be loving, caring parents and I will be forever grateful to you both. I love you with all my heart and will miss you more than you know. There are way too many fond memories to put here, but know that our secret handshake and our Mr. Snyder knock-knock joke will be passed on to our future generations. I love you to the moon and back ! Hugs and kisses, Your Sue Kay. Billie, My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Ellie