(1894 – 1978)
Robert Turner Thurston was born in Russellville, Alabama, on June 20, 1894. He died on November 18, 1978. His early education was received in the schools of Franklin County. He later attended Tuskegee Institute for several years.
In 1922, he was employed as a vocational agriculture teacher in Baldwin County at Baldwin County Training School from July 1, 1922, to January 1930. On January 16, 1930, he was employed as Negro county agent in Macon County. Bob Thurston retired from Extension on January 31, 1959. He was highly respected by coworkers, farmers, and others as a sincere, devoted, and knowledgeable agricultural leader. Bob devoted much of his time in Macon County as a county agent to crop improvement, community organizations, and getting small farmers to purchase land. He had a very popular program known as a “live at home program.” He stated once that farm families should produce more of what they eat. Bob loved people and his work.
He was an active member of the Washington Chapel AME Church, where he served as a Trustee. He was also a member of several other civic organizations in Tuskegee. He was survived by several nieces and nephews.
To honor his years spent in service to Alabama agriculture, we place the name of Robert Turner Thurston on the dedicatory plaque of the Extension Memorial Chapel.
Chapel Plaque Inscription Number: 314
