Johnny Marc Thurman, age 41, of Austin, Texas passed away on Saturday, May 19, 2012. He was born on Thursday, February 11, 1971 to John (Skip) and Laura Eileen Thurman in Dallas, Texas. He was loved by so many people all over, and especially In Austin.
Marc grew up in Grand Prairie, Texas and attended South Grand Prairie High School and Mountain View College. He moved to Denton, Texas - the Highlight for music for Dallas / Fort Worth. From There in 1997 his home became Austin, Texas the Live Music Capital of The World. He also served as Artist Parking coordinator, for Big State Festival, College Station 2007 and Austin City Limits Festival, Austin 2007-2011
Not All Rockstars are on the stage, Marc was one of Texas's premiere 'Behind the Scenes Music Makers' who played a role in bringing the magic of music to countless ears & eyes across the land.
Weather it be the many hats he wore for W3 Event Specialists, one day - Security Supervisor at Bonnaroo in Tennessee, the next Stewarding the Crews at Chili Fest near College Station. You always knew he had it covered. At C3 Presents he became legendary at the Big State Music Festival where he earned the nickname "Coney Dog" after his impromptu bet was negotiated by an 'on the fly manager & friend' who said that Marc could eat a Sonic Footlong Hotdog with all the fixings in under one minute, he came so close but ultimately failed in this endeavor and yet still became legendary. At the ACL Music Festival held in Zilker Park he controlled access to the Kingdom also known as 'Dirks World'. This is where his mastery of Customer Service Skills were put to the test everyday handling Artists, Support Staff, the entitled and not so entitled with such grace and professionalism. He was the ultimate Team Player, Cheerleader, Teacher, Friend & Jack of All Trades. Always present when needed. First guy to show up for work, and the last one to leave but only after being assured all was completed and everyone was happy. But there were many other musical entities he shared his love & knowledge about all things music with such as SXSW, where again he made a name for himself that will stand tall against the test of time.
He may have been one of the most well read men you may have ever met. He shared his love for reading by sharing or suggesting books he felt were must reads. He was a constant volunteer with Austin Literacy program which fulfilled his love of reading to others. His compassion for animals was second to none. But we all know that his enthusiasm for life and all those he met began with a smile and handshake that brought a warmth of confidence in you that everything was going to be just fine. Humor, video games & basketball were but a few of his playgrounds for his personality to shine bright. When you met Marc you knew instantaneously that this one of those guys that makes the world go round.
It all culminates with just over one year residency as THE Stagehand Steward at ACL LIVE at Moody Theatre where Marc once again established another family of famous and not so famous friends for life. He was an integral part of the 'show must go on mantra' that helped this venue win Pollsters 'Best New Venue of the Year' award. It was
Marc who assisted in the unveiling of the statue of Willie Nelson that now stands at the corner of Lavaca & Willie Nelson Blvd.
Some may remember Marc from Big State, where he parked his Toyota 4Runner at the back entrance and lived in a little pup tent, greeting everyone in the morning, always chipper, and calling out incoming deliveries. Big State is where he was dubbed "Coney Dog", where a challenge was issued for him to digest one foot long SONIC coney dog, with all the fixings, in a minute or less… He did not succeed. He did, however, win our hearts and will be missed greatly.
At ACL, Marc has lived under MOPAC the past several years, assisting with artist parking and again, greeting most of us as we traveled to Lot B.

In lieu of flowers, the Thurman family has suggested memorial contributions be made out to the Austin Humane Society in honor of Johnny Marc Thurman.
Should you choose to make a tribute in memory of Marc you may donate by cash or check onsite.
Please make all checks out to the "Austin Humane Society" and in the memo section please include Marc Thurman's name.
Marc is survived by his parents, John (Skip) Thurman and Laura Eileen Thurman; brother, David Thurman; and a host of relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 2620 South Congress Avenue with a Memorial Service to follow at 6:30 pm.