William Thorne Jr.

1985 - 2023

William Thorne, Jr.

June 25, 1985 - September 21, 2023

Marietta, Georgia - Will Thorne-- beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend-- died unexpectedly Thursday, September 21 in Atlanta, Georgia. Born and raised in Tarboro, NC, Will was a light in so many lives and his memory will fill our souls forever.

Will attended Edgecombe County Public Schools, Rocky Mount Academy, and Appalachian State University, but his heart belonged to the NC State Wolfpack. A gifted writer and speaker, Will used his talents to help others in hard situations and was a strength to many in every community he embraced. His knowledge knew no bounds, especially if the chatter was sports. His high school chemistry teacher once said if he could print the periodic table on the sports page, Will would have it memorized in an hour.

Those left holding Will in their hearts include his parents, Bill and Jane Thorne of Tarboro; his sister Cade Slepitza and her husband Joey of Chesterfield, VA; his brother George Thorne and his wife Ryan of Tarboro; and nephews William "Liam" and Alexander Slepitza and niece Jane Slepitza. Will was excited about the upcoming birth of his next nephew Ben Thorne in November. Other surviving family members include Julia Shaw and Joe Osborne; Jessie and Tom Thorne; Martha Shaw; Trey and Julie Thorne and their children Greyson and Spencer; Pat and Ben Forbes; Jennett Whiteside; his beloved godparents Louise and Sammy Anderson and their son Matt; and dear friends Anne Boone, Billy, Caty Gray, Emily, Alex, Molly, and William Urquhart.

Will's funeral will be Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 11am, Calvary Episcopal Church, Tarboro, NC, The Reverend Stephen Mazingo officiating. The family will receive friends at home 805 Main Street, Tarboro, NC

In lieu of flowers, please join us in celebrating Will's life by contributing to Calvary Episcopal Church, 411 East Church Street, Tarboro, NC 27886 or MARR attn: Development, 2815 Clearview Place, Atlanta, GA 30340.