Obituary of James Dale Thigpen, Jr.

James Dale Thigpen, Jr., 31, of Lexington, AL, passed away December 9, 2011 of an extended illness. He was the owner of a heating and air conditioning business and a member of the Center Hill Church of Christ. Survivors include: Wife: Tara Lee Chaney Thigpen Son: James Karson Thigpen Daughter: Karlee Lynette Thigpen Parents: Dale and Teresa Carroll Thigpen Sister: Melanie Thigpen Perry Half-Brother: Tony Dale Thigpen Special Pet: Dottie Visitation will be Thursday, December 15, 2011 from 4:00-8:00 P.M. at Greenhill Funeral Home. The funeral service will be Friday at 11:00 A.M. in the chapel with Bro. Greg Dial and Bro. Miles Stutts officiating. Burial will be in Center Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Keith Holden, Kenny Holden, Shane Dickerson, Greg Gray, Brooks Elliott, and Neal Perry. Honorary pallbearers will be Kenny Creasy, Tim Chaney, Frank Stephenson, James Haithcoat, and Brad McGee. Dale's family and friends are so thankful for every blessed moment that they had with him. He is greatly admired for so many reasons. Dale was always ready to laugh and enjoy life. Some of his favorite times were spent watching Alabama football, bass fishing, playing the drums, and spending time with his family. Dale was the strong supporter with a level head whom you would turn to for advice. He was a hard-worker. Dale's generosity knew no bounds whether he was giving to a loved one without, or a truck load of supplies to a community in need. Dale was a fighter. Dale spent the last year of his life fighting an aggressive leukemia and enduring every suffering because he was not focused on his own pain, but on every one of those he loved. Dale loved his family and wanted to do everything in his power to keep them from heartache. If he could speak to us now, he would make sure that we understand that "in Christ, there are no good-byes." Dale set a strong example of how to live life in his 31 years and what he has taught us will continue to touch others as we live with him always in our hearts. A memorial fund for the family has been set up by the Rogers Class of 1998 at First Metro Bank for those who would like to contribute. Greenhill Funeral Home directing.