Rev. Donald Clifton Thayer

Abingdon, VA – Rev. Donald Clifton Thayer, age 87, passed on Sunday, December 11, 2022.  A resident of the Watauga community, he was a well-known educator and United Methodist Pastor.  A 1953 graduate of Cleveland High School, he then completed a series of courses in civil engineering and worked as a draftsman for Virginia Department of Transportation while attending Emory & Henry College.  He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and later completed a Master’s from ETSU in Education.

Mr. Thayer was a teacher/administrator for Washington County Virginia Schools.  He mentored and was a positive role-model for thousands of students at both Greendale and Watauga Elementary before retiring in 1990 after 28 years.

Mr. Thayer was called into the ministry and thus attended Emory University and earned a Master of Divinity.  He serviced Mountain View United Methodist Church for 32 years as pastor. 

Rev. Thayer was also a full-time farmer.  He devoted his life to the preservation of the family farm and cared very dearly for all his animals.  He served on numerous boards serving to the best of his abilities.  He enjoyed volunteering and meeting new people as he did for over 50 years at the Washington County Fairgrounds.  He believed in helping others along the way in life and especially sharing the saving-grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to ALL!

Mr. Thayer was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Clifton Thayer and Lola Broyles Thayer; son, Kreg Thayer; siblings, Hazel Orfield, Edd Thayer, Jim Thayer, Garland Thayer, Bill Thayer, and Ellaree Thayer; and daughter-in-law, Michelle Nunley Thayer.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Eleanor Hannah Thayer; daughter, Melissa Bozardt and husband Allen of Charlotte, NC; son, Kevin Thayer of Abingdon, VA; brother, Kyle Thayer of Hopewell, VA; grandchildren, Kristopher Bozardt, Brandon Bozardt, Hannah Ford, Kellsey Thayer, Tyler Thayer, Kaleigh Thayer, Kolton Thayer; great grandchildren, Rylee Bozardt, Mason Bozardt, Kooper Taylor; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation with the family will be held 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, December 14, 2022, in the Main Street location of Farris Funeral Service.  Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home with Rev. Barbara Farmer officiating.  Interment will follow in Mountain View Methodist Church Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be grandsons and friends.  Honorary pallbearers will be members of Mountain View United Methodist Church and fellow pastors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mountain View United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Betty Beatty, 18970 Middle Dr., Abingdon, VA 24211, in Rev. Thayer’s name.  Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register. 

The family of Rev. Donald Clifton Thayer is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.