Edwin Kenneth Thrower, 93, of Vero Beach, died Nov. 19, 2009, at Royal Palm Convalescent Center. He was born in Lumberton, N.C., and lived in Vero Beach for 11 years, coming from Key Largo and was a veteran of the Army, serving in World War II. He founded Founders Furniture Co., which later merged with Thomasville Furniture Industries. He became president of Thomasville Furniture in 1965. In 1970, he started Tridyn Industries, manufacturing PVC pipes and fittings and later acquired Brinmont Chemicals Inc., which manufactured specialty chemicals for the furniture industry.He was a member of Windsor Club of Vero Beach, a past president of Sedgefield Country Club of Greensboro, N.C., Sankaty Head Golf Club of Nantucket, Mass., Nantucket Yacht Club and Nantucket Garden Club. Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Boots Antrim; son, Royce Z. Thrower of Asheboro, N.C.; daughter, Joan Thrower Grimsley of Columbia, S.C.; 13 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his daughter, Gayle Thrower Cook; and brothers, Ray Thrower and William G. Thrower. Memorial contributions may be made to the Indian River Land Trust, 1904 12th Court, Vero Beach, FL 32960. A celebration of life and burial will be at a later date in North Carolina. Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach. A guest book may be signed at lowtherfuneralhome.com.
