August 28, 1932-March 7, 2018
Memorial celebration of life: At a later date.
Billy Eugene Thornhill, 85, went home to be with the lord Wednesday, March 7. He was born in Chicota, Oklahoma. He was one of 10 children born to William and Maudie Thornhill. He was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the United States Army. He loved music. His instrument of choice was the guitar. Although he had no formal training, he could pick up any instrument and play by ear. In his early 20s, he pursued his love of music by playing local clubs in and around Bakersfield, California. He played with several well-known musicians such as Glenn Campbell, Buck Owens, Merle Haggard and Roy Clark. Later in life, he was the chief and owner/operator of a dump truck business in Texas. In retirement, he bought and sold fine cars, due to his love of cars. He lived most his life in sunny California. He recently moved to Stockton to be with his children and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by the many people whose life he touched.
Survivors include four children, Ferrell, Kera, Kerrell and Billy; 25 grandchildren; and 46 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers; two sisters; his oldest son, Kerry Eugene Thornhill; and his great-grandson, Troy Bennett Hammon.
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