Mr. James Douglas Thorne, passed away Friday, December 19, 2025 at his residence.

Doug was the oldest of nine children born in Wilson County and raised in Elm City, North Carolina to the late Mark and Macordia Thorne. He married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Whitley Thorne, in 1968 and served as a devoted father to two children - Doug, Jr. (Gayronza) and Robin Thorne Harris (Ron). He leaves behind a legacy cherished by five grandchildren - Amon Harris, Nile Harris, Sydney Thorne, Treʼ Thorne, and Reagan Harris; siblings - Geralene Patterson, Bobby Thorne (Shirley), Jerry Thorne (Faye), Cathy Bynum (Terry), and Michael Thorne (Arlene) as well as a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by siblings Jenny Thorne, David Thorne, and Carolyn Joyner.

Doug was an alumnus of NC A&T State University with a B.S. degree in Agricultural Business and Economics where he was a Richard B. Harrison Player, DJ, and employee in the Office of Research Administration until 1974 at which time he began employment with the Boy
Scouts of America in Greensboro. Doug was highly respected by many as evidenced by countless awards during his career for best practices in leadership and volunteerism which were documented nationally in print and video. He was recognized by numerous local, state,
and national agencies in addition to civic and faith-based organizations, foundations, and grant institutions. Doug always embraced his duty as a servant leader and reinforced his belief to his family even in his final days of life. He was an honorary NC Ambassador as member of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society presented by Governor Easley, which is reserved as the highest honor for significant contributions to the state and communities
through exemplary service and service complishments. He was also appreciative of the Old North State Doug Thorne Eagle Scout Fellowship established in his honor by Superior Court Judge Tom Ross for more than 25 years of leadership. He served on various boards, councils, and commissions over the years. Just a few of them were the Greensboro Housing Authority, Greensboro Parks & Recreation Commission, Guilford Education Alliance, and the Civic Engagement and Leadership Processing Committee at church. He was a devoted member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, SERTOMA Club, and the NCA&TSU Athletic Foundation.

Doug was passionate about supporting his five grandchildren in their endeavors. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, growing beautiful roses, his horses, photography, and Aggie football. In his own words, family, faith, and friends were important and giving back to others was his duty.

Funeral service will be held Tuesday, December 30, 2025 12:30pm Mt. Zion Baptist Church 1301 Alamance Church Road Greensboro, North Carolina. Visitation 12pm.

Entombment Lakeview Cemetery 3600 North O'Henry Boulevard Greensboro, North Carolina.