Mr. Kenneth Jude Thaggard, age 79 of Murphy, passed away on May 31, 2011 at the Swain County Hospital in Bryson City. Mr. Thaggard was born February 2, 1932 in Neshoba County, MS to the late Marshall and Mary Margaret Haney Thaggard. Kenneth was one of 14 children raised alone by his mother after the early death of his father. He was a member of St. William Catholic Church in Murphy and one of Kenneth’s sisters became a nun and went on to be an administrator for the Mercy Hospital in Vicksberg, MS. Later on after marrying Marjorie Dolloff Thaggard, Kenneth joined the Marine Corps and served his country during the Korean War. During his service he was in charge of the schools on the C130 Aircraft and he exceled to the rank of E8 Master Seargant before retiring after 25 yrs of duty. After retiring from the Marine Corps , Kenneth started working for Lockheed as an Engineer in Marietta, GA, where he retired in 1991.

Survivors include wife, Marjorie Thaggard; three daughters: Karen Hills, Linda Harrington, and Debra Girard; three brothers: James Thaggard, Jerry Thaggard, and Steve Thaggard; three sisters: Pauline Brumfield, Janet Banks, and Patricia Farris; also five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

The Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy, NC is in charge of arrangements. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.