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Obituary For James Douglas Thorne
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.
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Alisa Taliaferro sent Beautiful Dreams for James Douglas Thorne - December 29, 2025
To the Thorne Family my condolences. Mr. Doug was a great person and I enjoyed working with him. May God give you comfort and healing during this difficult time.
God Bless The Thorne and Joyner families in Jesus' Name!
Shirley and Family, I would like to offer my sincere condolences and sympathy to you and your family. I have so many memories of our days growing up in Elm City. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this most challenging time. Sadly The Faison Family
To Shirley, Jerry, Faye and the rest of the family, you have our deepest condolences for your loss. As we reflect on when we all traveled to the football games together, a smile comes across our face. Doug will truly be missed but not forgotten. You all are in our prayers and thoughts.
Shirley & family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Doug and I worked together at the Old North Council and I always considered him as a good friend. He was well thought of in the Scouting circles. In Scouting, the trail sign for going home is a circle with a dot in the center. "Doug has gone home". Rest well my friend!
Shirley, Doug was a dear friend. I will cherish many memories of Doug. He was a true servant leader. I hope you and your family will find some comfort in knowing that others care and share in your loss. I offer my sincerest condolence.
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Shirley, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Doug was a special person who was always thought of others in everything he did. He was a good friend who will be sorely missed.
Sincere condolences during this difficult time. His life was greatly lived. He will be missed by many.
We extend our deepest condolences to the Thorne family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely, Karen Roseboro and Family
My sincere condolences to the family. I worked with Doug for many years with the Boy Scouts. He was a great friend
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I recall going to Greensboro occasionally years ago and being with the family. It was always inspiring and a pleasant visit. RIP
My Sincere Condolences To The Thorne Family. It Was A Pleasure To Have Known Doug. He Will Be Greatly Missed.
Kimberly Smith
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The Brown Family, there is no sorrow on earth that Heaven cannot heal. Our hearts are heavy with you Bobby, Shirley and the entire family as you grieve the loss of Doug. Losing a loved one is never easy, and words can never fully ease the pain, but please know you are not alone. We are holding you close in our thoughts and prayers, asking God to surround you with His comfort, peace, and strength during this difficult time. We love you.
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To the Thorne family, so sorry to hear of Doug's passing. May the arms and love of God comfort you during these days and the days ahead. Look unto the hills from which cometh your help. Psalm 121
We are sad at the loss of Mr Thorne, he was truly a servant leader. Condolence to family and friends.
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Doug Thorne a friend,dedicated Scout Professional, who exemplified the highest of the ideals of The Boy Scouts of America. Well done good and faithful servant. Love Sally and Bill Brackett.
My sincere condolences to Shirley and family! Praying God's comfort and strength going forth and days to come 🙏🏾
Shirley, Geraldine, Jerry and entire family my condolences and prayers on the loss of Doug. May you find strength and comfort as you go through the difficult days. The sun will shine as you remember wonderful memories and joyful times with him.
To the Thorne family, my dear neighbor in Elm City and Wilson. I pray that Almighty God will strength and keep you during this time.
The Bullock family is sending out Condolences to the Thorns family with prayers and comfort at this difficult time.
Sorry for your loss but I will keep you and your family in prayers and thoughts love ❤️ yall see you soon be blessed you need me for anything no matter what just call me and I'll be there 💖 later for now love (boney)
My sincere condolences to Bobby, Shirley and the entire Thorne family. I'm praying for you yet I know GOD will uphold and embrace you even more during this time. He will prove himself. Cherish the great memories.
It is with sorrow that I write this note of condolence. Doug and I worked together for Several years. To you Shirley and family you have my deepest sympathy. May God bless you During this difficult time.
Rest in Peace Doug. You were always a respected member of our family and will be missed.
Sending my sincere deepest condolences to the family. May God grant you all comfort, strength and peace during this most difficult time.
Praying for Strength for All The Family.
To the Thorne family we are sending our deepest condolences to you during this time. Lean on the everlasting arms of Jesus as you go through this valley experience.May the precious memories now become beautiful treasures of a life well lived. .
Such a great man, mentor and uncle. Will be forever missed on earth but will always be in our hearts. Love you family.#luke137
My sincere condolences to the Thorne family. Mr. Thorne was always there for the grand kids taking pictures to build memories. He had me posing on the football field with Nile. Just like a photographer.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
