Rev. William Neal Thornburgh (Bro. Neal), age 77, of Naples, Texas, passed away Sunday, October 13, 2024, at his home.  Neal was born July 5, 1947, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Neal Wilson Thornburgh and Elnora Beatrice Sharp Thornburgh.

As an 8-year-old boy, on April 1, 1956, Neal chose to trust Jesus as his Savior and Lord. He and his sister, Rita, were baptized together and soon thereafter, his mother told him that he would be their church's music minister. From that time on, you would find Neal in churches singing, teaching, serving and preaching the Gospel.

Neal married the love of his life, Susan, at age 20 and became a pastor that year as well. He served several churches before pastoring New Hopewell Baptist which became The Church at West Mountain in Gilmer.  His ministry was marked by his desire for people to know the Savior and walk in spiritual freedom. He was a lifelong student of the Bible and loved finding scriptural answers to life's questions. Neal firmly believed that words have power, and he regularly used his speech to encourage, speak life, and deliver wisdom and truth.

While pastoring was his passion, he also poured his heart into music. As a member of the bluegrass gospel band "On My Way," Neal enjoyed playing his mandolin and singing about heaven with his friends. Some of his other favorite places were his garden, a good fishin' hole, or in the audience where any of his children or grandchildren were playing or performing.

Bro. Neal preached the way that he lived: serve Jesus, love people, and in all things, glorify God.

Neal was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister and brother-in-law, Rita and Jack Peddy.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Susan Thornburgh of Naples; two daughters and sons-in-law, Gayla and Jack Golden of Trophy Club, Texas and Laurie and Art Cantu of Tulsa, Oklahoma; one son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Jessica Thornburgh of Naples; ten grandchildren, Lucas Golden, Andrew Golden, Nicholas Golden, Grayson Cantu, Gabriel Cantu, Glory Cantu, Libby Thornburgh, Reed Thornburgh, Lauren Jones and husband Curt, and Jack Morris.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 18, 2024 at the Church at West Mountain in Gilmer.  Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 19, 2024 at the Church at West Mountain with Rev. Keith Lauter, Rev. Eric Trimble, Rev. Art Cantu, and Rev. David Jones officiating.