Thomas "Tommy" Thornhill

Joseph Thomas David “Tommy” Thornhill died on February 24, 2023 after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born in Crosby, MS on January 23, 1946. He graduated from Gloster High School, Gloster, MS. He then attended Mississippi State University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in General Science and Zoology. He was drafted into the Army and was stationed on Whiskey Mountain in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged on April 7, 1972. Tommy loved his country and was proud of his military service. He returned to Mississippi State where he earned his Master’s Degree in Wildlife Ecology and Marine Fisheries.

After graduation, he began a career with the Federal Department of the Interior, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. His last job was as Assistant Manager at the Mississippi Sandhill Crane Wildlife Refuge in Gauthier, MS. He retired in May of 2005. He moved to Baton Rouge in 2010 where he resided until his death.

Tommy was an avid follower of all things Mississippi State University, especially the sports. He loved the sound of the MSU cowbells at the football games. He was a true outdoorsman, especially enjoying hunting and fishing. Over the years, he most enjoyed the many visits with his family and friends. Tommy had a strong Christian faith which was instrumental in helping him through the hardships that were a result of his Parkinson’s Disease. He was a true inspiration to everyone who met him.

Tommy is survived by his life partner of over 26 years, Sharilyn Livingston, her sister, Jackalyn and the family dog, Jack. He is also survived by his sister Corette (Ken) Randall, his nephew Kenneth (Karen) Randall, nieces Shelley (John) Redhead, Davelle (Brian) King, and Suzanne (Greg) Lippa. Other survivors include great nieces Anna Charlotte Redhead, Courtney Randall (Bryan) King, Bailey Lippa (Grady) Hearn and great nephews Tal Redhead, Tyler Randall, Jake Lippa, and Walker and David King.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. David and Idelle Thornhill, his sister Ruby Sonia Walters and her husband Gene Walters, brother-in-law Ken Randall and great niece Sydney Lippa Magness.

Special thanks to his private sitters Shalanda McGill and Veronica Alexander and the staffs at The Claiborne at Shoe Creek, Sunrise Senior Living, and St. Joseph’s Hospice for their loving care. Also special thanks to Deacon Mike Chiapetta for his spiritual support.

A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held at Brown’s Funeral Home in Gloster, MS on April 11, 2023 with visitation at 1pm. until services at 2pm., officiated by Rev. Butch Simmons.

A second memorial will be held at Greenoaks Funeral Home in Baton Rouge on April 18th at 1pm.