Junior Ray Thrasher of Muncie, Indiana passed away at the age of 82 at Bethel Pointe Health and Rehabilitation Center in Muncie on Tuesday, May 11, 2021. He was born on January 2, 1939 in Muncie to the late James and Della (Maynard) Thrasher.

Junior, also known as Pappy, Pops, and Papa Smurf, worked for 20 years at Becket Bronze with the mold injection ovens and for 17 years at Walmart in the lawn and garden department and even stepped in for Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny when needed. Junior was a member of the Eagles Lodge, serving as a trustee. He coached women and men's softball and little league baseball.

Junior is survived by his wife, Joyce Thrasher; sons, Shane Coates (Cheryl) and John and Chad Thrasher; daughters, Bonnie Swearington (David) and Tammy Thrasher (Mark Weems), all of Muncie; fifteen grandchildren; and several, several great grandchildren.

Junior was preceded in death by his parents, James and Della (Maynard) Thrasher and seven brothers and sisters.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 17, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM in Garden View Funeral Home, 10501 North State Road 3, Muncie with funeral services immediately following at 1:00 PM, also in the Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Muncie. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.gardenviewandgardensofmemory.com .

COVID-19 Limitations: Effective Monday, February 8, 2021, Garden View Funeral Home and Gardens of Memory Cemetery are limited to a maximum of 50 people wearing masks inside or outside. Once the maximum is reached, additional visitors will be permitted for entry only as others exit. No outside food or beverages are permitted to be brought in at this time. Thank you for your cooperation.