Born on July 1, 1932 in Roanoke, Virginia
Departed on September 16, 2021 in West Melbourne, Florida
Horace William “Bill” Thornburg passed away quietly at home on September 16, 2021.
Bill was born on July 1, 1932, in Roanoke, VA. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, he married and became a permanent resident of Melbourne, FL in 1952. He owned and operated Shelbourne Fine Jewelry in Downtown Melbourne for 24 years. He served 3 terms on the Melbourne City Council and was the first chairman of the Melbourne Airport Authority. He was instrumental in building the Melbourne City Auditorium, the city hall in 1966, and the creation of Trinity Towers in Melbourne in 1967 (where he remained on the board of directors). He was Chairman of the Planning & Zoning Board of West Melbourne for over 30 years.
Bill was a 33rd degree Mason (an honor bestowed on those who have demonstrated outstanding service, as well as professional and personal accomplishments). He was a past president and devoted member of the Melbourne Masonic Lodge and Azan Temple. For several years he transported children by plane to the Shriners Children’s Hospital in Greenville, SC. In 1974, Bill along with his brother-in-law (Charles Wells and later Charles Wells Jr) built Hollywood Estates Mobile Home Park in West Melbourne.
Bill was predeceased by his son, Richard Thornburg. He will be lovingly remembered by his two daughters Gail Mangine and Susan (Ken) Mauro, his beloved daughter-in-law Janet Thornburg, and his grandsons Houston and Michael. His one true love and wife of 49 years, having passed away in 2002, awaits his arrival in heaven.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate a life well lived at the Azan Shrine Temple 1591 W. Eau Gallie Blvd, Melbourne, FL. A viewing will be held at 10 o’clock followed by a funeral service at 11 o’clock Thursday, September 23, 2021. Please consider a donation to Shriners Hospitals for Children in lieu of flowers.
Gail, so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of spending time with you, and being at your home while growing up. Thinking of you.
TERRY L TOMLINSON
from COLDWATER, Michigan wrote on September 30, 2021:
Bill was a kind and compassionate gentleman and one of my father's very best friends. (as in T.R. Tommy Tomlinson.) Bill left behind an honorable legacy and he will be missed, especially by his family and close friends.
My prayers go out to the family and close friends .
Grace, Peace and Comfort to all, from God our Father and from Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Russ and Heidi Neill
from Viera wrote on September 30, 2021:
Our deepest sympathy and prayers for the Thornburg family. He left behind many fond memories that are blessings for all who came to know him.
Almeada Smith
from Roanoke wrote on September 26, 2021:
I am thankful for the many years of friendship. He
was truly a good friend. My thoughts and prayers
are with all of you. Please keep in touch.
Kristin LaFemina
from Clearwater wrote on September 20, 2021:
So sorry for your loss Sue and Kenny and families. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. What a wonderful life of accomplishments.
Chuck & Betty Wells
from Loudon wrote on September 20, 2021:
Gone from this earth but never forgotten. He was a very true friend.
Pamela Harth Sills
from Valparaiso wrote on September 19, 2021:
My condolences to the family. I’m sorry for your loss; although I’m sure you know the comfort of knowing that your father and grandfather is reunited with your loved ones and at peace. I’m know my father, Herbert Harth will be one of the ones there on the other side of the veil welcoming your father home. It was always such a lift to my Dad’s spirit to talk with his cousin Horace on the phone and especially when he was able to see him at the Harth family reunion. My Dad told me many stories about their school age adventures. Those were such joyous memories to my Dad. God Bless. Pamela Harth Sills
Born on July 1, 1932 in Roanoke, Virginia