Eugene Thornhill

Eugene Thornhill died on August 9, 2018 at the age of 88. Although he was not in the best of health, he spent the day doing some of his favorite things. He drove his Cadillac (Gene was a Cadillac man), had lunch with his wife, eating fried chicken, french fries and sweet tea. The Good Lord decided to call him home after such a fine day. He was one of three children born to Caleb and Alta Thornhill on December 31, 1929 in Whitewright, Texas. He graduated from Whitewright High School in 1947. He received a full scholarship to attend and play football for the University of Oklahoma but was unable to attend college full time. Gene married his wife Dorothy McWhorter in 1950 and they had four sons that will testify that their father was a man of many talents and taught them the golden rules of honesty, a strong work ethic and compassion. His wife Dot passed in 1982, and he was left to raise his youngest son alone. In 1984, he married Paula Gilliland Hubbard. He treated her four children, their spouses and children as his own. Many enjoyable, loud and crazy times were had by this man and his large family.

He found a career in electrical utility construction and worked for C. C. Teague and Sons for 27 years leaving there as Vice President in 1979 to start TLT Construction Company with two partners. Gene was the CEO of TLT for over forty years. He was on the executive board of PCCA, an association of electrical contractors, and an executive member for the Texas A&M Safety Organization. Before moving to Coppell, Gene was a gentleman rancher who raised black Brangus cattle at the Trails End Ranch in Van Alstyne, Texas. In 1997, Gene and Paula moved to Coppell, Texas where he lived until his death. There, he was a member of First United Methodist Church and was active in their JOY group. Gene was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Travis 117 Masonic Lodge and the Dallas Valley Scottish Rite for over 65 years.

Eugene Thornhill is survived by his wife Paula of 34 years, eight children and their spouses, Garry and Lisa Thornhill, Larry and Jeanie Thornhill, Terry and Teresa Thornhill, Sam and Stefani Thornhill, Renee and Terry Zettle, Randy and Robin Hubbard, Ron and Kristi Hubbard and Rob Hubbard. In addition, he is survived by 20 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be at Rolling Oaks Funeral Home in Coppell on Tuesday, August 14th, 5:00-7:00. Funeral will be held at First United Methodist Church of Coppell on Wednesday, August 15th, 10:00 am with burial following at Rolling Oaks Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to First United Methodist Church of Coppell.