Keith Thacker Obituary

James Keith Thacker, age 76, of Manchester, Tennessee, passed away on July 2, 2025. He was born on April 11, 1949, to the late Harold and Gay Thacker.
A proud native of Coffee County, Keith dedicated his life to his family, his faith, and his community. He was a devoted farmer who loved working the land and caring for his cows. He had a deep love for baseball and was a dedicated teacher who spent years helping young people learn and grow.
Keith earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees from Middle Tennessee State University. He spent 21 years shaping young minds as a teacher in the Coffee County School System. After retiring from teaching, he traveled the United States selling farm equipment and visiting farmers - work that combined his love of farming with his gift for connecting with people. He especially loved John Deere and Oliver White combines and tractors - pretty sure that was always his first love. According to Keith, the 4020 John Deere was the best tractor ever made, and he never missed a chance to talk tractors with anyone who'd listen. He also served his community as a county commissioner.
He was a member of Wesley Heights Methodist Church in Tullahoma.
Keith's greatest joy was his family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Gay Thacker. He is survived by his sister, Nancy Gunn (Terry), and his brother, Mark Thacker; nephews Nick Graham (Melody) and Josh Graham (Alicia); and his great-nieces Ellie, Nikki, Peyton, and great-nephew Pryson Graham.
Keith's dedication to his family, his community, and his faith leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and kindness that will never be forgotten.
A short visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Manchester Funeral Home (Hwy 55) from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., followed by a graveside service at Rose Hill Cemetery at 3:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate Keith's life. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Keith Thacker, please visit our floral store.