Allen William Thornhill

Allen William Thornhill, 83, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 2, 2025, in Anchorage, Alaska, surrounded by family.
Allen was a hardworking and devoted man who cherished his family, friends, and church community. He was a proud supporter of his granddaughters, always cheering them on at their sporting events and school activities, earning the title of their personal public relations team.
A Navy veteran, Allen served during the Cuban Missile Crisis aboard the USS Antietam in October 1962. He was also deeply involved in his community, serving as Treasurer of the Spenard Community Council for over 30 years. In recognition of his dedication the city street Thornhill Place was named after him in October 2012.
Born and raised in Brookhaven, Mississippi, Allen later moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where he graduated from high school. Meeting the love of is life Judy in March 1962 on a blind date they were married December 22,1962. He worked for Schlumberger and Shell Oil in Mississippi before moving to Alaska in 1968. He contributed to power plant projects in Kenai before settling in Anchorage in 1970. There, he worked as a steamfitter and pipefitter at Service High School and on various projects across the state, including Adak, the North Slope, and Shemya. In 1983, seeking more time with his family, he founded CWM Industries, a welding and machine shop. He retired in October 2024 after 41 years of dedicated work.
An avid outdoorsman, Allen loved fishing and hunting, especially piloting his riverboat and airboat.
He is survived by his wife, Judy Thornhill married 62 years; children Karen Boshell (David) of Anchorage, Alaska; Jason Thornhill of Nashville, Tennessee; Chad Thornhill of Spokane, Washington; five granddaughters-Lili and Ali Boshell, Kaylie, Jaden, and Taylor Thornhill; and his sister Bess Jackson of Daytona Beach, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents, Allen William Thornhill and Maybell Delaughter Thornhill; two sisters; and three brothers.
Services will be held on March 11, 2025, at Faith Christian Community Church with visitation at 1 p.m., followed by a service at 2 p.m. A military service and burial will take place on March 12, 2025, at Fort Richardson National Cemetery at the committal shelter at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, family requests donations to be made to Faith Christian Community Church.