Andrew "Andy" Thorne

Andrew “Andy” William Thorne, 80, passed away at home in the early morning hours of August 20, 2021.

His celebration of life will be held at Hartsell Funeral Home in Midland NC on September 4th. Receiving of family and friends will be held from 1 pm to 1:45 pm and the service at 2 pm.

Andy was the youngest child born to Curry “Doc” and Bertha Thorne in Dorcas, West Virginia on June 13th, 1941. His “younger years” weren’t perfect, but they gave him a powerful testimony after his life-altering encounter with the living God. And when he met his late wife, Shirley, on a blind date, he knew she was the one God had for him.

Although Andy didn’t have a stellar education and could barely read at a 3rd grade level, he could always be found reading his favorite book, the Bible. He has instilled that love of the Lord and His Word in his son and daughter.

Andy was a talented truck driver for his career and never shied away from hard work. But it was his light, laugh, and smile that will be missed by all that knew him. Andy was burdened by a calling to pray for Israel, Haiti, and Africa later in life and was a prayer warrior even when Alzheimer’s began to take his memory.

Andy is preceded in death by his wife, mother and father, brother Richard, and sister Pauline.

He is survived by his son, Brian and daughter-in-law Faith; daughter, Katherine and son-in-law Michael; spiritual daughter, Stefanie and spiritual son, Danny; grandchildren, Stephan, Alicen, Robert, Andrew, Maliki, Zachary, Aliyah, and Ethan; great-granddaughter, JuJu; sisters, Mary and Betty; and countless nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family asks for donations to be made to Alzheimer Association, 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215 research in lieu of flowers.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland is serving the Thorne family.