Horace William “Bill” Thornburg
Born on July 1, 1932 in Roanoke, VirginiaDeparted 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.
