Bert Thornley
February 13, 1923 — July 21, 2017
Bert Lee Thornley, age 94 of Damascus, passed away peacefully with his family members at his side on Friday, July 21, 2017, at his residence. He was the husband for 69 years of his beloved Betty Paylor Thornley, who died on Wednesday, June 1, 2016.
Born on February 13, 1923, the only child of Bert Lee Thornley, Sr. and Addie Lunn Thornley.
Bert attended The Citadel Military College in Charleston, SC and with the beginning of WWII, left to join the United States Army. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. and served in the Pacific Theater as a Bomb Disposal Officer until a land mine explosion forced him into retirement. He spent his professional career with Potomac Electric Power Company and retired after 31 years service. For his third career, Bert and his wife Betty, owned and operated a ceramics store in Rockville, House of T Ceramics where in customers became like family.
Bert enjoyed hunting, fishing and boating on the Chesapeake Bay and Patuxent River on his treasured boat "LoriAnn". He flew airplanes and at the age of 93, went skydiving for the first time. Bert and Betty were known for family gatherings at their home on holidays and other special events.
He is survived by children: Bert Lee Thornley, Jr. of St. Leonard, MD, Robert S. Thornley of Martinsburg, WV, Richard L. Thornley and wife Anita of Damascus and Lori Ann Goldenthal and husband Mark of Frederick; eleven grandchildren: Russell (Diane), Heather (Kevin) Eric, Shaunna, Bryan, Juliet, Addie, Caleb, Jenny, Michael and Nicole; six great-grandchildren: Paige (Andrew), Cameron, Sidney, Kaitlyn, Kaiden and Abigail; two great-great-grandchildren: Carson and Tripp.
Bert was preceded in death by a son, Russell Edward Thornley, Sr.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 AM on Wednesday, July 26, at Stauffer Funeral Home, 8 E. Ridgeville Blvd, Mt. Airy. A private burial will take place in Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church in Etchison at a later date. A reception will follow and the Thornley residence. Bert has always been a casual man, so please dress casual for service.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you recognize the EOD Warrior Foundation (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) at www.eodwarriorfoundation.org.