Thurman Leroy Dinkins, 81, peacefully passed away on January 1, 2026, surrounded by his family, in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Born on September 27, 1944, in Plain Dealing, Louisiana, Thurman was the son of the late Bert and Florien Dinkins. He graduated from Many High School in 1964. In 1973, he began his career as a lineman with Valley Electric Membership Cooperative, where he was well-liked and a friend to everyone. Prior to his retirement in 2006, he served as District Manager of the Mansfield Office and was often admired for his mentorship of his team.

After retirement, Thurman continued to assist many people during power outages and was formally recognized for his service following Hurricanes Gustav and Ike in September 2008. He was an avid NASCAR fan and enjoyed working on and rebuilding cars with his friends. He also loved bass fishing on Toledo Bend and Grand Bayou. Thurman was a member of Open-Door Fellowship Baptist Church in Coushatta.

Thurman is survived by his wife of 28 years, Brenda Kieffer Dinkins of Coushatta; stepchildren Kristin (Kimbal) Bonner of Houma, Louisiana; Karin (Derick) Thomisee of Montgomery, Louisiana; Jill (Tim) Frost of Highland Village, Texas; and Joe (Tiffany) Morgan of Natchitoches, Louisiana; grandchildren Dalton (Sara), Hannah (Camron), Alex, Tyler, Nicholas, Mackenzie, J.T., Hudson, and Moss; and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his children Patricia Williams, Sherri Martin, and Wade Dinkins; sisters Pam Earls and Linda Poe; and brother Don Dinkins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Hunter Thomisee.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of CHRISTUS Hospice Services.

Funeral services will be at 12 P.M. Monday, January 5, 2026, with Pastor Thumper Miller officiating, at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel in Coushatta, Louisiana. Burial will follow at Mount Zion Cemetery in Wheeling, Louisiana. Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until service time on Monday at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Joe Morgan, Kimbal Bonner, Derick Thomisee, Tim Frost, Bo Yount, and Billy Yount. Honorary pallbearers will be Craton Brooks and Ken Adams.