Cover photo for Gary Thornburg's Obituary
Gary Thornburg Profile Photo
1939 Gary 2022

Gary Thornburg

September 15, 1939 — May 26, 2022

Cherryville

Gary Wayne Thornburg, age 82, of Cherryville, passed away Thursday, May 26, 2022, at his residence.  He was born September 15, 1939, in Lincoln County to the late Clarence Virgil Thornburg, Sr. and Bonnie Fulbright Thornburg.

Gary was an adventurous traveler and took many trips with his wife, Phyllis. He was an avid golfer and played in many local tournaments. He and Phyllis also traveled for play dates for monthly CGA tournaments for couples.  He also enjoyed playing in the Carolina Golf Association during many events. He also loved to read and would read as many as four books per week from the Cherryville Library. He was retired as a Mail Carrier for United States Postal Services. Gary was a long-time member of First United Methodist Church where he taught the Men’s Bible Class.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Mazel Cody, Ponese Heavner and Peggy Garner; and brothers, C.V., Pete, Hal and Max Thornburg.

Survivors include his wife of nearly 63 years, Phyllis Heafner Thornburg; sons,  Kevin Thornburg and fiancé, Rose Ellen Sain, and Kirk Thornburg and wife, Hope; grandchildren, Trent Thornburg and wife, Chelsea, Nate Thornburg, and wife Kayla, Hunter Sawer, Harlee Austin, and Haven Austin; great-granddaughters, Ava, Raelyn, Laikynn Mae, and Addilyn Rose.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 28, 2022, at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Zack Christy officiating.  Burial will be private.  The family will receive friends Saturday from 10:00 to 10:45 AM prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church at 601 N Pink St, Cherryville, NC 28021

Condolences may be made to www.carpenterporter.com

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gary Thornburg, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Saturday, May 28, 2022

10:00 - 10:45 am (Eastern time)

First United Methodist Church of Cherryville

NC

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Memorial Service

Saturday, May 28, 2022

Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)

First United Methodist Church of Cherryville

NC

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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