Thurmon Sanders Vaughan, Sr.

Thurmon Saunders “Porky” Vaughan, Sr., E.D., passed away suddenly on Friday, September 11, 2015, in Henrico, Virginia. Vaughan, as he was affectionately known, was born April 19, 1944, in King William County, Virginia to Thelma Booker Vaughan and Ollie Vaughan, Sr. He was a 1962 graduate of Hamilton-Holmes High School in King William. He then attended and graduated from Norfolk State University in 1968, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. Vaughan moved to Detroit, Michigan and worked for many years in the Detroit Public School System, as well as working with children at the St. Peter Claver Community Center. During this time he continued to pursue studies in education, receiving a Master of Arts in Education Administration in 1974 from the University of Michigan and a Doctorate of Education in Education Administration in 1993 from Oakland University. His leadership training allowed him to study at the University of Warwick in London, England; Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, MI; and Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. While working in the Detroit Public School System, Vaughan accepted the challenge of Assistant Principal at Clark D. Brooks Middle School and was later promoted to Principal of Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary/Middle Schools. Vaughan enjoyed many interests, both personal and professional. He found time to hunt, travel, fish, read and weight-lift. He was a prolific motivational speaker in the Detroit area. He did all of this while holding positions with the Metropolitan Detroit Alliance of Black School Educators (President-Elect), Ford Motor Company Career Initiatives (Board of Directors) and membership in the ABIFF Lodge #21 of Masonic Order 32˚. During his entire life, Vaughan continued to express his Christian upbringing and affirmed that God served as the author of his life and success. He always regarded his mother, Thelma Vaughan, as his mentor, guide and inspiration for building his leadership abilities and passion for serving others. Vaughan is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Ollie, Jr. and Gerald. He is survived by his wife, Thomasine E. Skinner; two sons, Thurmon (Skip) Jr., of Dallas, TX; Terrance (Terry) of Holland, MI; one daughter, Tina Paige of Wappingers Falls, NY; three grandchildren, Thurmon III, Mackenzy, and Julian; and one great-grandchild, London Marie. He also leaves to cherish his memory, two devoted sisters, Anne V. Booker and Constance V. King (Howard); one brother, Anthony O. Vaughan, Sr. (Towanda); devoted cousin, JaNelle Latney; life-long friend, William (Bill) Lomax, special friend, Byron Hubbard (Hub), and a host of friends, cousins, co-workers, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

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Thurmon Sanders Vaughan, Sr.

April 19, 1944 - September 11, 2015