William James "Jimmy" Thagard, III

In Loving Memory of William James “Jimmy” Thagard, III

William James Thagard, III, known to most as Jimmy or “Thag” to his friends, and proudly called “Pops” by those blessed to be his family, was born on June 6, 1971, to William James “Bo” Thagard Jr. and Janice Cross Thagard. He entered the presence of his Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 22, 2026.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his father, William James “Bo” Thagard Jr.; his paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Thagard Sr.; his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Cross; his beloved aunt Kay Thagard Newman, Scott Coshatt; and several other cherished family members.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife, Tanya Kay Newman Thagard; his mother, Janice  Cross Thagard; his children, Brandy (Brian Philpot), Elizabeth(Miguel) Thagard, Bud Thagard, Derek (Noel) Thomley, Kayden Newman, and Wyatt Newman; his grandchildren, Brian Hall, Katelyn Pinkham, Grace Pinkham, Brooklyn Scott, Bayleigh Scott, Crimson and Ala Ray Thomley; his sisters, Leah (Billy) Moses and Sarah (Charles) Norrell; his nephews, Cody(Emily) and Will ( Madeline) Moses, Cole(Drea) Stinson, Kenny Coshatt, and Amber (Joshua) Coshatt Sasser; along with several other nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends who loved him dearly.

Dad was the most hardworking man I ever met. He spent his whole life doing what he knew best, and he loved working on old cars. He worked alongside his dad most of his life, and there wasn’t much they couldn’t fix. Most days, you’d find him out at the shop (his second home), wrench in hand. If he couldn’t “Jimmy-rig it”, it just couldn’t be fixed. His passion was racing whether he was behind the wheel, working on a car, or hanging out at the track, racing was something he truly enjoyed. He made many lifelong friends through it, and some who became more like family.

More than anything, Jimmy loved his family. Being ‘Pops’ was the title he was most proud of. He worked hard to provide for the people he loved, was always willing to help someone in need, and had a way of making people laugh. He’ll be deeply missed by everyone who knew him, but the love he gave, the lessons he taught, and the memories he leaves behind will live on through his family and all the lives he touched.

Jimmy will be laid to rest at St. Paul Methodist Church, 4671 Luverne Highway, Greenville, Alabama on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 2:30 pm. The family will be receiving family and friends in the chapel of Dunklin Funeral Home beginning at 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Pallbearers are Derek Thomley, Drew Flowers, Scott Halcomb, George Pope, Cody Murphy, and Lane Parrish.

Honorary Pallbearers are Steve Tanner, Randy Adams, Shannon Killough, Randy Murphy, Donnie Robinson, Jeff Brown, and Don Boutwell.

Flowers are accepted or memorials may be given to the St. Paul Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Rosa Tanner, 5344 Luverne Highway, Greenville, Alabama 36037.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23