On Friday May 15, 2020, Ernest Floyd Thorne, 87, went to be with the Lord.
Ernest was born May 19, 1932, to Willie and Bessie Thorne of Decatur, Mississippi. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia D. Savell Thorne, they were married 58 years; his parents; a brother, Willice Thorne of Decatur, MS; a brother in law, Gerald Glenn; and sisters in law, Judy, Francis, Janette and Ramona.
He is survived by his daughter, Priscilla (Sid) Guy of Cantonment, FL; grandchildren, Cody Kara and Sarah (Cory) Knight; and his great grandson, Rhys I. Knight. He leaves behind three brothers, James Robert of Grenada, MS, E. L. and Curtis (Nancy) of Decatur, MS; one sister, Eva Jean Glenn of Decatur, MS; and many nieces and nephews.Ernest met Pat at East Central Junior College in Decatur, MS. They were married on Dec. 18, 1953.
Ernest served in the Army for a couple of years. He received his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from University of Southern Mississippi, in 1958. He began teaching fifth grade at West Pensacola Elementary in 1958, with Escambia County School System. During the next several years he earned his Masters in Elementary Administration from USM in 1964, still teaching.
In 1967, Ernest’s first Elementary School Principal assignment was Turner Lee Day Elementary. From there he was Principal at the following: Cordova Park, West Pensacola, and then Longleaf Elementary. He retired as Principal from Longleaf in June 1996, with approximately 38 years of service. During his career Ernest received multiple awards for his work as teacher and principal in the State of Florida. He assisted in the program for the Blind and Deaf students, this program was held at West Pensacola Elementary.
He was an ordained Deacon at Warrington Baptist Church and was an Active Deacon with Hillcrest Baptist Church, both of Pensacola, FL. Ernest served in many areas of his churches ministry as needed. He loved helping people whenever he could. He felt humbled and honored to serve in all capacities with his church. Ernest was friend, and a blessing to all that he met. He will be deeply missed by many. But, his favorite song “I’ll Fly Away” says it all.
A private graveside service was held May 20, 2020 at Pensacola Memorial Gardens. A Celebration of Life will be announced once those details are finalized.
In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, donations may be made to Hillcrest Baptist Church, 800 E. Nine Mile Road, Pensacola, FL 32514, or Gideons International Organization.
The family would like to thank everyone who knew Ernest F. Thorne for your prayers during this time.
Pensacola Memorial Gardens Funeral Home served the Thorne family.
Paid Obituary
