Grider Thrasher

Grider “Pop” Thrasher, 85, of Jonesboro passed from this life on November 23, 2021. He was born to the late Rodney and Norma Thrasher on September 15, 1936 in Jonesboro. In addition to his parents, Grider is preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Sally Ann Thrasher.

Grider graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism. He also graduated from Rhema Bible College in Tulsa with his wife, Sally Thrasher. Grider’s life revolved around his love of Jesus and spreading God’s word. He traveled all over the word teaching new ministers and sharing the Gospel. Grider was a minister at several churches and was a founding member and Elder at Trinity Church in Jonesboro.  He was an author as well having written, Risky Faith: A Reality Relationship With God.

Outside of his relationship with God, Grider was a family man who always made it a point to attend all of his children’s and grandchildren’s events. He would never miss a game and even when his wife’s health started to decline he would make sure they made every home and away game. Grider was also an avid Arkansas State Indians/Red Wolves fan. He was the announcer for the Arkansas State Indians Basketball games. In’s Grider’s travels around the world, he visited many countries and enjoyed them all. One country held a special place in Grider’s heart, Russia. He loved the country and the people so much that he visited Russia many times throughout his life.

Grider is survived by his sons, Roddy Thrasher of Jonesboro and Tim Thrasher (Duronda) of Jonesboro; sister, Rosenell Houston of Jonesboro; grandchildren, Nile Thrasher (Becca), Kristen Thrasher, Reese Thrasher (fiancé, Rossie), Adam Thrasher (Morgan), and Jenni Beth Thrasher; great grandchildren, Lepley Grafmyre, Berkley Thrasher, Zeke Grafmyre, Tenley Thrasher, Halle Thrasher, and Eden Thrasher.

The visitation will be held prior to the service on Sunday starting at 1:00 pm.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 28, 2021 at Emerson Funeral Home with Don Blackmore officiating. Burial will follow at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery with the active pallbearers being Dr. Brad Fields, Martin Young, Scott Wilhite, Danny Kapales, Lance Owens, Fred Argo, Lindley Smith, and Tim Allison. The honorary pallbearers will be Patrick Courtois, Jim Little, and Allen Patteson.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Gideon’s International, P.O. Box 97251 Washington, DC 20090-7251 or Rhema Bible College (Kenneth Hagin Ministries) P.O. Box 50190 Tulsa, OK 74150-0190.