John Oakley Thornhill of Rose Hill, NC, passed from his life on earth to his heavenly resting place in the afternoon of Monday, August 18, 2025, while in the care of Wallace Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Wallace.  Born on July 19, 1943, he is the son of the late Frederick Homer and Marjorie Nichols Thornhill.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of sixty years—Jo Thornhill; children—Stephanie Gonzales of Wallace and Paul Thornhill of Pikeville; grandchildren—Lauren Thornhill Godwin and husband Ebe III of Burgaw, Benjamin Gonzales of Wallace, Makayla Thornhill of Raleigh, and Jonathan Gonzales of Wallace; great granddaughter—Claire Elizabeth Godwin of Burgaw.

Mr. Thornhill was born in Kansas City, Missouri and lived in St. Louis during his early childhood.  While in his early twenties, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps for a tour of duty which lasted five years.  Not long after enlistment, he met and married the love of his life, "Jo", and they eventually found their way to Rose Hill, NC.  John was known at his beloved Wallace Methodist Church as a "fixer" and a "do-er" and was an influential leader in many areas of the church while he served on many committees.  He had a tremendous love for God, along with a servant's heart.  It has been said about him that "to know him is to love him".  He was a determined 'one of a kind' individual who had a heart of gold, according to family.  He had an unusual sense of humor and was a man of his word, was dependable and loyal.  As an avid reader, he was something of an expert in the fields of Bible reading, gardening, and genealogy.

Family will greet friends at a visitation set for 6-8 p.m. on Friday, August 22, 2025, in the chapel of Padgett Funeral Home.  A memorial service is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 23rd in the Wallace Methodist Church.  Interment is set for 12 Noon on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 in the East Carolina Veterans Cemetery, 164 Longs Plant Farm Road, Goldsboro. NC 27534.  Family is requesting that, rather than floral gifts, consideration be given to contributions to the Wallace Methodist Church in John's memory.