David was the youngest of four children and the son of Vickie Frame and Jonathan Thornberry. David is survived by his wife, Amanda Humphrey Thornberry, and their three children, Caroline, 21, Owen, 15 and Ruby, 12; his three older siblings, sister Rachel Thornberry Chowdry (husband Rick) of Auburn, California, sister Julie Thornberry Peeler (husband Justin) of San Antonio, Texas and brother Michael of Conroe, Texas, his mother-in-law, Jill Humphrey of Louisiana, his two sisters-in-law, Sunni Montgomery (husband Mike) of Louisiana, Candice Nix (husband Michael) of Louisiana; brother-in-law, Todd Yancey of Conroe, TX; nieces and nephews - Carter Yancey, Sarah Yancey (fiancee James Todd), Sadie Peeler, Alonzo Peeler III, Boone Peeler, Anna Kate Montgomery, Morgan Montgomery, Michael Montgomery, Mary Michael Dison, Maggie Dison and Major Nix; and numerous Thornberry and Vick aunts, uncles, and cousins.
David grew up in Grangerland, Texas, spending all his free time outdoors, playing with siblings and cousins. He enjoyed helping on the family ranch, working cattle, and raising animals in 4-H. Growing up Thornberry meant David and his siblings shared a special bond, especially with his brother Michael. The two were inseparable. There was always some sort of mischief happening at the Thornberry household that resulted in legendary stories, epic vacations and some Grand Champion trophies at the Houston Livestock Show and Montgomery County Fair.
David’s faith was very important to him. He was baptized at First Baptist Church in Conroe, where he was currently a member.
David was a competitor and accepted any challenge that lay before him. He began competitively boxing with his brother at a young age. David went on to win a Junior Olympic title in his division at 15 years old. He later competed in the Olympic trials. Until his passing, David continued boxing as a workout with his son, Owen, daughter Ruby, nephew Carter, and big brother, Michael.
David graduated from Texas A&M University in 1997 as a dedicated member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets in outfit B2. He served in the Corp’s Ross Volunteers (the Texas Governor’s honor guard), the Parsons Mounted Cavalry and was very involved with Bonfire. He and his brother Michael were the first brothers to ever serve together as Yell Leaders at Texas A&M.
Many of David’s closest friends are active military or veterans. He had an immense respect for our country and those who serve, and was a passionate supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project, often participating in their runs.
David loved hunting and the outdoors. An accomplished bow hunter, he hunted throughout Texas, Kansas, the Yukon Territory, Utah, Idaho and Alaska. The more challenging and tough the terrain, the better. He would train for months to be up to the physical challenge of tracking a high-elevation mountain sheep or goat.
David was the Managing Partner of the Thornberry Family Partnership, investing in real estate and developing and managing land in Texas, Kansas, and Arkansas. David loved ranching and the cattle business from an early age. After capturing a calf at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Calf Scramble at age 15, David developed his own herd of Brangus cattle which he later grew and refined into over 1,000 head. He passed his joy for ranching along to his children, helping them raise, nurture and compete in steer and heifer shows through 4-H.
In 2007, David married his best friend and love of his life, Amanda Humphrey. David was happiest when he was spending time with Amanda and their kids. He loved being a dad and sharing his love for the outdoors with his children. Of all David’s accomplishments, he was most proud of his kids and the people they were becoming, including Caroline’s graduation from Texas A&M University, Owen’s talent and toughness in sports, and Ruby’s budding entrepreneurship.
David lived a big life full of love and adventure with friends and family by his side. He loved to recount his wild stories in his classic, Dave way, leaning back in his chair, in his cowboy hat and boots, laughing while friends and family listened intently to the crazy things he had seen and done. David was a mean poker player and not even his children, nieces or nephews caught a break when he was dealt into a game. David never met a stranger and had friends from every walk of life. He was quick to forgive, a great friend and the kind that kept in touch and cared about his friends from childhood until his passing. Dave was also a great employer that cared immensely for his employees and ranch hands, treating them like family. But most of all, David loved to laugh and would want his life celebrated in the same bold way he lived it.
Please join the family in celebration of David’s life at Mims Baptist Church, Conroe, Texas, on Monday, July 24, 2023. A visitation for all of David’s friends and family will start at 9:00 a.m. The service will begin at 10:00 a.m. at Mims Baptist Church 1609 Porter Rd Conroe, Texas 77301 with a private burial immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made by mail to the New Waverly 4-H project.
New Waverly 4-H, P.O. Box 657, New Waverly, Texas 77358.
