George Robert Thayer Jr.
June 23, 1960 – August 7, 2025
George Robert Thayer Jr., 65, of Austin, Arkansas, passed away on August 7, 2025. He was born on June 23, 1960, in Hanover, New Hampshire. He grew up in Fair Haven, Vermont, where he worked on a cattle farm as a teenager.
In 1978, George proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served his country for 20 years and retired with the rank of Master Sergeant. Following his military career, he continued his dedication to service by working in civil service for 15 years. Later, George returned to his agricultural roots, becoming a hay farmer and selling hay for a decade—work he truly loved.
George married the love of his life, Ruth, in 2002, and together they shared 23 wonderful years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gail E. Thayer and George R. Thayer Sr.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth Thornton Thayer, his Sister Ann Thayer and husband Richard Wells of Fair Haven, Vt. And his children: Son Joseph (Joey) Sheldon and wife Christy; son Jeremiah (Jamie) Sheldon and wife Tiffany; and daughter Bethany Niswonger and husband Justin. George was a proud grandfather to Christian Gowen and wife Carol; Brenden Sheldon and wife Shea; Josh Copeland and wife Sarah; William Sheldon and fiancée Sara; Trinity Copeland; Jaycee Sheldon and wife Ivy; Ryan Sheldon; Harley Tarkington; and Westin, Elizabeth, and Charlotte Niswonger. He was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren, two aunts Muriel Frazier (William) of Whitehall, NY and Cynthia Zullo of Rutland Vt. And cousins William Frazier (Sue) of Fair Haven, Vt, Melissa Frazier (Lynn) of Schenectady NY and Jay Zullo (Beth) Newport NH.
George had many passions in life—farming hay and raising cattle, watching westerns and John Wayne films, cheering for the New England Patriots, following NASCAR, listening to music, and hunting. But above all, his greatest joy came from spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be 2:00-3:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at A Natural State Funeral Service, Jacksonville. Funeral service will follow the visitation at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to The American Heart Association.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
12 Comments
So many wonderful memories and Football Sundays just won’t be the same in our house. Rest in peace my friend.
Aunt Ruth I am so sorry for your loss Prayers to you and family
George was a great guy that will be dearly missed by many.
Vapor Cafe Family
Enjoyed working with George at LRAFB 1987-1994. I know he will be missed by family and fiends,
Ruth, my prayers are with your family.
So many things won’t be the same, but I know Sunday Football in my house will be changed forever.
The BASE THRIFT SHOP sends our condolences to you and your family.
We gonna miss him, prayers to Ruth and families.
George was a great neighbor and a good friend, we are heartbroken for your family’s loss
This man would give you the shirt of his back if you needed it. He absolutely loved his children and grandchildren. What a great Papa! Left this world way too soon. Prayers for comfort for his family and friends. Rest in peace, George.
He was the best papa, I learned just about everything I know from this man. One of a kind man.
Dear Aunt Ruth sorry for your loss George will be greatly missed love Tina and Michelle
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