Tim Mac L Thornburg

Timothy Mac L Thornburg, 67, of Pampa, passed away on April 29, 2023 in Amarillo.

Friends are invited to join Tim’s family in remembering him at 11:00 AM, Saturday, May 6, 2023, at the Memory Gardens Mausoleum with Rev. Byron Williamson, pastor of First Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Pampa under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

Tim will be available for viewing from 10:00 AM- 8:00 PM on Thursday and 8:00 AM - 8:00PM on Friday at the funeral home. The family receive friends from 6:00 PM -8:00 PM, Friday, at the funeral home.

Tim Thornburg passed from this life on Saturday and he returned home, April 29, 2023 at the age of 67.  He was born on October 2, 1955, to Leroy and Jeneane Thornburg, the third of four children.  He lived with his sister and brother-n-law for his last days since November in their parents’ home.  He attended school in Pampa, graduated from Pampa High School, and briefly attended West Texas State University before returning to Pampa to become a life-long resident. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Pampa.

Tim began his professional career as a plumber’s apprentice with Jack Robertson, then became a Master Plumber and began his own business. His true calling, however, was fulfilled by serving as a counselor with AA, something that he truly loved and excelled at. 

His school classmates remember Tim as being ferociously competitive and a strong athlete. He began playing sports with Little League Football, playing on the Redskins team coached by Mr. Harold Lewis and Mr. Joe Skinner, and continued throughout school. In High School he ran track and played football.  When he wasn’t playing sports, he could be found helping his grandfather, Dr. T.J. Worrell, at his veterinarian clinic or his ranch. Maybe it’s the time he spent with his grandfather that taught him to be the quiet, private man that he was.

He was also a member of FFA, although his brother Russell didn’t think Tim really liked FFA but stayed with it to keep his dad happy. Tim showed his brothers pig one year in the Pampa Stock Show and not only helped Russell win, but he ended up earning the Showmanship Award. He was shocked and so were we, but Tim was honored to receive such an award. (Why was he showing Russell’s stock?  Russell was in a foot cast.) 

Many Pampa residents bought Christmas trees from the Thornburg Farm and Home Store but what they didn’t realize was where those trees came from and what it took to get them. It’s no telling how far Tim would walk in the mountains of New Mexico to find those trees. He chased mountain lions, bears and deer in his search for the perfect tree. Amazingly, he never got lost and he always showed up on time with a handful of beautiful trees.

Tim was loyal to his family and friends. Family was important to Tim.  He will be remembered as one who loved celebrating Christmas with his family, playing Santa Claus, and making sure everyone had something under the tree. Tim will also be remembered for his love for working on old vehicles and especially his 57 Chevy. For years he had his old Woody that he never got started on, but he just liked seeing in the yard.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and by a brother, Leroy E. Thornburg, Jr.

Tim is survived by his sister, Delia Ann Grimes and husband Joe of Pampa; a brother, Russell Thornburg and wife, Beth of Milano; a sister-in-law, Elizabeth Thornburg of San Antonio; three nieces, Christy Fanelli of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Cyndy Cox of Rhome, Texas, and Alexis Griffith and husband Tyler of Virginia Beach, Virginia; and other extended family.