Please join us in honoring the life of Gary Thornberry. You are welcome to attend his funeral service in person, or you can watch the LIVE Broadcast at 2:00 PM on Monday, February 9, 2026. Simply click the link below to view the service.
Funeral Service Broadcast for Gary Thornberry
Gary Edward Thornberry, 76, of Lexington, formerly of Lawrenceburg, passed away peacefully at his home on February 2, 2026.
Gary was born on November 28, 1949, in Frankfort, Kentucky. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
He is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Penny Thornberry. He is also survived by his son, Frank (Melanie) Thornberry, and their children Jackson, Emily Elizabeth, and Rhett, of Danville, Kentucky. Daughters include: Sheila Adams of Lexington, Kentucky, and Felicia Adams, whose children are Danielle McNeese, Jason Taylor, and Elizabeth Taylor, also of Lexington, Kentucky.
Gary was a proud retired employee of Wild Turkey Distillery where he worked for over 40 years in various roles. In his young adult years he loved traveling throughout Kentucky playing softball with some of his longtime friends. Gary had a true passion for sports of all kinds and for supporting youth athletes. He devoted more than 30 years serving in Kentucky’s Eighth Region as a referee and umpire for high school basketball and baseball.
He was a dedicated member of the Anderson County Masonic Lodge for more than 50 years and served as Past Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Kentucky Knights Templar. Additionally, Gary was a member of Hiram Chapter 93, Order of the Eastern Star, for over 40 years.
Gary was a lifelong member of Tyrone Baptist Church and a faithful believer in God the Father and his son Jesus Christ.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, James and Ocie Bowman, of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. The oldest of eight siblings, he was preceded in death by two brothers, James Bowman Jr. and Stuart Bowman. Two brothers, Doug Bowman and Keith Bowman, and three sisters, Karen McDonald, Ann Hood, and Kim Halvorson, along with several nieces and nephews, also survived him.
Pallbearers are Anderson County Masons.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026, with visitation from 12:00 to 2:00 P.M., followed by the funeral service at Ritchie & Peach Funeral Home in Lawrenceburg, with Brother Mark Webb officiating. Masonic rites will be observed prior to the funeral service at 2:00 P.M. Burial will follow at Sand Spring Baptist Church Cemetery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.
In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations to Bluegrass Care Navigators of the Hospice of the Bluegrass, Inc., in Gary’s memory so others may receive the kind and professional care that supported Gary and his family during his final weeks. Contributions may be mailed to 1733 Harrodsburg Road, Lexington, Kentucky, 40504, or made online at https://www.bgcarenav.org/ways-to-give.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ritchie & Peach Funeral Home, Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. Condolences may be shared at www.ritchieandpeach.com.
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