George Thorn passed away, peacefully, after a difficult fight with glioblastoma. He was a servant-hearted leader of the family with a passion for God he continued to share until his last days. Surrounded by family and friends, we celebrated him until the end.

George was born in Key West, Florida before moving away as a child. He returned to Jacksonville Beach, Florida as a teen, and started his career with Ford. While many people are defined by their career, George's magnetic and service-driven personality is one that framed his career. He retired after more than 40+ years as a businessman with Ford, holding numerous managerial roles and organizing internal recognition programs with Ford Life Insurance. This position opened the door for George and Cindy to travel, world-wide, and see places of which some only dream. While a world-traveler according to many standards, George loved being at home or playing golf with his friends and family. No matter where he was, though, his heart was never far from his first home – the beach. Surfer Boy, Beach Bum, and Parrothead at heart, George loved the atmosphere, food, and people that are on those sandy shores. His sisters nicknamed him "The Oak," as he was the consummate protective older brother, and his 5 grandchildren called him "Papa G" (at one point, one of them could only say "Pudgy" – it didn't stick). His sons-in-law were fortunate to have an amazing second father-figure and the entire family adored him. George was well-respected and much-loved by his community – in the small subdivision that they called home for the past 20 years, all of the neighbors continued to check in on George during his recent illness over the past year. George is preceded in passing by his father, George Kenneth Thorn and stepfather, William Aubrey Tabb.

To know George was to love George. To one of his closest friends, in his final days, he asked him to share with his high school football buddies: "Tell them to find Jesus. They need to know the Lord."

Matthew 25:21 (ESV) "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your Master." While George is now happy and made whole, gloriously worshiping and in the joy of his Master, he will be missed by all.

George is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Cindy (Perkins) Thorn; daughters, Jennifer [Stannon] Banks, and Adrian [Mark] Bradberry; grandchildren, Hunter and Caden Bradberry and Anne Madison, Avery, and Kole Banks; his mother, Shirley Juanita Tabb; sisters, Kathy [Herb] Martin (son, Spencer [Amanda] Martin), Debi [Gordy] Tabb, and Sharon [Greg] Todd (George served as godfather to sons Kyle Mills and Nicholas Warren). Cindy's sisters and brother, Debby [Gary] (Perkins) Smith (daughter, Jamie Smith), Patti [Tom] (Perkins) Terbrueggen (Sarah [Tim] (Terbrueggen) Flynn, Emily [fiancé Vin] Terbrueggen, Paul [Becky] Terbrueggen, and Jordan [Alicia] Terbrueggen), and Arrie "Perk" [Joan] Perkins (Justin Perkins and Faith (Aaron) Williams). He is also survived by many, many loving friends and additional extended family members.

There will be a Celebration of Life Service at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Rehoboth Baptist Church with Pastor Brian Hosmer officiating.

Higgins Funeral Home Hillcrest Chapel is honored to serve the family of George Thorn, please visit www.hillcrestchapelcares.com to share your memories or leave a condolence message.