William Timothy Thornburgh

William Timothy Thornburgh ("Big Tim"), 83, of Little Rock, passed away peacefully at his home on April 5th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on November 15th, 1941, Tim lived a life marked by faith, devotion, and quiet strength. At just 17, he proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving four years in support of the Vietnam War. During his time in service, he earned the Sharpshooter Badge with Rifleman's Bar and the National Defense Service Medal before being honorably discharged. Following his military service, Tim began his lifelong career as a paint contractor. His work ethic, integrity, and attention to detail left a lasting mark on countless homes and hearts throughout his life. Outside of work, he was a passionate sportsman and a proud member of both the NWTF and the NRA.
Tim was a devout follower of Jesus Christ, and his relationship with the Lord was evident in every word and deed. He lived his faith with quiet conviction, touching the lives of everyone he met. He was a long-time member of New Life Baptist Church on Samples Road, where his faith and fellowship grew ever deeper. He loved his church family fiercely and he greatly enjoyed his Wednesday morning breakfast fellowship.
He loved his wife deeply and cherished her through every season of life. His devotion to her was unwavering-rooted in kindness, respect, and a lifetime of shared memories. She loved him just as fiercely, with a tender
strength that carried them through joys and hardships alike. Their love was the kind that didn't need many words-it was seen in the way they cared for one another, stood side by side, and built a life full of meaning
together.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Jacqueline "Jackie" Pauline Thornburgh
and their seven children: Kim (Herb), Becky (Mike), Little Tim (Susan), Mellisa (Jeff), Shelley and Sheila (the twins), and Steve Belew (Mary). He also leaves behind twenty-five grandchildren: Chris (Sandy), Lorren, Anna (Warren), Chase (Kelly), Alexa, Adam (Annie), Megan (Devin), Lacey (Lee), Austin (Dani), Hannah, Chloe (Drew), Ashlee (Jace), James, Hope, Jordyn, and Cooper, along with twelve great-grandchildren who brought him endless joy.
Tim is preceded in death by his mother, Willie Louise Haley; father, John Edward Thornburgh; his brother in-law and lifelong friend, Clifford Darrell Wakefield; and his infant son, William Timothy Thornburgh.
He was a gentle, kind, and loving man-patient in all things and wise beyond measure. Every word he spoke carried the weight of truth, and his presence brought comfort to all who knew him. He wasn't just the best husband and dad, his actions and the way he lived epitomized the very best of mankind, a man people strived to be like and be close to. He will be remembered for his soft-spoken wisdom, his joyful "Hey" echoing
down Christmas morning halls, and sayings like, "Two wrongs don't make a right"- always the right words at the right time.
Tim leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and family- a life well-lived, a man well-loved. To know him was to love him, and his memory will live on in every heart he touched. "We never met anyone who had the opportunity
to know our dad/grandpa that didn't fall in love with him."
His visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 9th, 2025, from 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. and his celebration of life will be held on Thursday, April 10th, 2025, at 11:30 A.M at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest following his celebration of life at Pinecrest Memorial Park at 1:00 P.M.
P a l l b e a r e r s
Adam Thornburgh
Austin Thornburgh
Devin Crawley
Lee Tipton
Daniel Taylor
Kody Gill