Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

December 9, 2023

CHARLOTTE – William Alexander (Bill) Thorn, III, died on Saturday, December 9, 2023, in Charlotte, NC, after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease.  He was born in Plainfield, NJ, to William Alexander Thorn, Jr., and Marie Thompson Thorn.

Bill was a graduate of Morristown High School in Morristown, Tenn., and North Carolina State University, where he earned a degree in Industrial Engineering.  Upon graduation, he served as an officer in the Army National Guard.

Bill had a varied career, first as a plant engineer in the furniture industry.  Upon the sudden death of his father-in-law in 1966, he took over his father-in-law’s contracting business located in Moyock, NC.  In the late 70’s, Bill joined his brother in starting a home respiratory company which grew and prospered until sold to a national company.  Following the sale, Bill had the opportunity to indulge his love of boating as sales manager for a custom yacht builder on the Outer Banks.  It was a fun few years up and down the coast at boat shows, fishing tournaments, and photo shoots in the Bahamas, after which Bill returned to respiratory and surgical sales until his retirement.

To know Bill is to picture him at a piano or keyboard, on stage for a community theater, singing in a choir or chorale, or leading a children’s choir.  He played in a band in high school, the IFCs in college, and the Bill Thorn Trio for years to come.  His musical talents were a gift he loved to share.

Bill shared his time as well.  He was devoted to his faith, family, friends, and community.  He could always be counted on going the extra mile, sometimes literally.  Bill truly lived a balanced life.  For most of his adult life, Bill was a Deacon at Moyock Baptist Church, fulfilling many other roles as well.  After retiring to Blowing Rock in 2012, he was ordained an Elder at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian church, a church he came to love.  He loved the town as well and enjoyed new friendships in Rotary and the Blowing Rock Yacht Club.

In 2019, Bill and Marion moved to Aldersgate Retirement Community in Charlotte.  It was the right decision due to his advancing Parkinson’s.  For the last year and a half, Bill received great love and care from the staff at Asbury Health & Rehabilitation Center and VIA Health Partners (formerly Hospice & Palliative Care-Charlotte Region) and the family greatly appreciates their part in caring for Bill in his final days.

Bill adored his family who knew him as a fun and sentimental guy.  He loved sharing his beach and mountain homes with them and his friends, old and new, especially his Sig Ep brothers and their wives.  He loved well and was known for his thoughtful gifts and many acts of kindness. Our loss is Heaven’s gain.

Bill is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marion Welch Thorn; his daughters, Winborne Macphail and her husband, Cameron, Mollie James and her husband, Philip; grandchildren, Ian Macphail and his wife, Meghan, Marion Macphail, Merrick James, Emma James, Eli James, and great- granddaughter, Peyton Macphail.  Also surviving are his sister, Melinda Mahan; sisters-in-law, Brenda Thorn and Mollie Rascoe and her husband, Robert and several much-loved nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Walter Thompson Thorn.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1218 Main Street, Blowing Rock, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory of Bill to: Moyock Baptist Church, 123 Oak Street, Moyock, NC 27958 or Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church, Attn: Fresco Ministry, P.O. Box 393, Blowing Rock, NC 28605.       

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.