Tommy Ray Thornhill

 Funeral services for Mr. Tommy Ray Thornhill will be conducted at 3:00 PM Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at Powells Grove United Pentecostal Church in Jayess with the Reverend Bren Smith officiating, assisted by Reverend Ronnie Turner.  Interment will follow in the Powells Grove Cemetery.  Mr. Thornhill, age 78, entered into the eternal rest of his Lord early Saturday morning, November 16, 2024, at the St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson.  Saulters Moore Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, 2 hours prior to the funeral service, beginning at 1:00 PM at Powells Grove United Pentecostal Church.

“Tommy Ray”, as he was known by the many who loved him, was born on August 13, 1946, in Tylertown, Mississippi, to Paul Lee and Buena Mae Burnett Thornhill. A proud graduate of Topeka-Tilton High School, Tommy Ray took on the role of student bus driver while still in school. At the age of 21, he married the beautiful Sandra Blackmon of New Hebron, and together they settled in Jayess to raise a loving family. His profound zest for life and his love for others defined his character, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he encountered.

Mr. Thornhill worked for many years for the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad in McComb. In 1986, he left the railroad; however, after an absence of 10 years, Tommy Ray reignited his passion for the industry he cherished and moved his family to Greenville, Mississippi, where he became an integral employee of the Columbus and Greenville Railroad. Over the years, he progressed through the ranks, beginning as a Machine Apprentice in McComb. His dedication and skill propelled him through the ranks to become a Journeyman Machinist, Shop Machinery Operator, Locomotive Machinist, Roundhouse Locomotive Inspector, and ultimately retiring as track supervisor for the Greenville Delta region. After his retirement in 2007, the Thornhill family returned to their roots in Jayess, where they once again became active members of Powells Grove Church.

Later in life, Tommy became passionate about holistic wellness, especially natural plants and herbalist medicine. He loved being an 'amateur' herbalist and pursued that passion with vigor up until the time of his death.

Tommy Ray was also known as "The Piano Man," earning him a treasured place in the hearts of many across the region. Not only did he tune pianos, but he also had the talent to rebuild and refinish them. An accomplished pianist, he shared his God-given talent with the congregation at Powells Grove UPC, where he served as the piano player for many years. 

A beacon of light in a universe often defined by chaos and darkness, Tommy Ray Thornhill was a shining example that Godly men still exist. 

Mr. Thornhill is preceded in death by his parents, Paul Lee and Buena Mae Thornhill, and his brothers, Paul “Sonny Boy” Thornhill and Delma Thornhill.

His memory will forever be cherished by his beloved wife of 56 years, Sandra Thornhill of Jayess; his daughter, Tandy Thornhill Sinclair (Brian) of Columbia and his son, Tommy Delon Thornhill (Sarah) of Jackson.

The legacy of their “Granddad” and “Tommy” will also live on through his grandchildren, Olivia Lee Sinclair, Alex Sinclair, Maley Kate Thornhill, Paige Curran Blackwood, Ann Louise Blackwood, Matthew Blackwood, and Abby Kate Blackwood.

Online condolences and a guest registry are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com.