Obituary of William Roland Thornbury

William "Bill" R. Thornbury, aged 76, passed away on Friday, March 22, 2024. Born on May 15, 1947, in Louisville, KY, to his late parents, Charles Alvin Thornbury and Mary Elizabeth Kirk Greenough, Bill was a true native of Louisville.

He graduated from Waggoner High School in 1965 and went on to serve his country in the U.S. Navy, completing three tours in Vietnam with the Construction Battalion. After his military service, he worked as a machinist for Naval Ordnance, traveling the country for his job. Bill had a passion for NASCAR Racing, particularly as a devoted fan of Dale Earnhardt Sr., as well as for Kentucky Basketball, fishing, muscle cars, and camping/boating with his three children.

Bill is survived by his three children, Frank Thornbury (Wendy), Paula Shirley, and Tonya Brown; 8 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sister, Patricia Ann Fuller (Michael); and half-siblings, Martha Horrar (David) and Marc Echternach (Dawn).

He was preceded in death by his biological parents; adopted parents, Daniel Echternach and Agnes Terri Kirk Echternach; and a child, Rosa L. Thornbury.

Bill's final wish was to be cremated and laid to rest in Mississippi at his favorite spot from his military service days.

Saffell House Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.saffellhousefuneralhome.com