Thurman James Hamlett, affectionately known as "TJ", was born on September 9, 1949, to the late Dollie Lucy Edwards and the late Charles J Edwards, in Danville. VA, He was educated in the Spartanburg County schools and a 1968 graduate Florence Chapel High School. While in high school, Thurman played football. He continued his education at Cecil Business College and enlisted and served in the United States Army.

Thurman loved his family and was talkative. He was noted as being "one of a kind". Thurman was a soldier at heart and his demeanor and decorum exemplified it. He loved to eat and thoroughly enjoyed traveling. Thurman had an appreciation for Gospel had an  R& B Music and his favorite NFL Football team was the Dallas Cowboys.

Thurman was a member of Upper Shady Grove Baptist Church. He formerly was a member and served on the deacon board at St. John Baptist Church. He was also a member of the ETV association.

He was preceded in death, along with his parents, by brother, Charles Michael Edwards and daughter, Shonda Hamlett.

Left to cherish his memories are sisters, Rosa Burwell of Newark, NJ and Irene (Larry) Bradley of Wellford, SC; aunts, Fannie M. Edwards and Alice Edwards both of Landrum, SC; uncle, Robert Edwards of Landrum, SC; grandson, Tevin Hamlett; friends, Herman Bates and Paula Davis; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

On the morning of Friday, April 12, 2024, Thurman transitioned peacefully at the Spartanburg Medical Center. He will be missed by his family and friends.