William Douglas Thornburg, born on July 20, 1942, in Roanoke, Virginia, passed away on October 31, 2025, at the age of 83. Known for being adventurous, beloved, brave, devoted, hard-working, loyal, and resilient, William was a cherished member of his community.
Formally of Anchorage, Alaska, William was residing in Mount Olive, Alabama, at the time of his passing. He was a true patriot and a master aviator who loved his country deeply. William retired from the United States Air Force after serving 26 years with honor and pride. He was a Vietnam Veteran and held the esteemed position of Honorary Thunderbird Crew Chief.
William was preceded in death by his father, Tom Farmer Thornburg; his mother, Ruth Inez Funk Thornburg; and his brother, Warren "Buddy" Thornburg. He is survived by his loving family, including his daughter, Penny Elayne Martin; his sister, Mary Frances Craighead; and his granddaughters, Natalie Hines Benko, along with her husband, Sgt. Gavin Alexander Benko, USMC, and Ella Nicole Neubert.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars at: https://heroes.vfw.org/page/21776/donate/1?locale=en-US.
William will be laid to rest in the Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
