William Wain Thorne Jr.

W. W. (Bill) Thorne, Jr., a sixth generation Texan, was born in Houston June 17, 1924, the older son of W. W. Thorne, Sr. and Lucy Williams Thorne. Under the flagpole at John Marshall Junior High, Bill met Miss Iris, who became his wife of 78 years. After Bill graduated from Jeff Davis High School, he joined the U.S. Navy. During WWII he served as a radar operator aboard a highly decorated ship in the Pacific Fleet. He became a Second Class Petty Officer on the USS NEW ORLEANS, and was in combat at the invasion of the Marshall Islands, Truk Island, Saipan, Tinian, Guam, the Battle of Leyte Gulf and Okinawa as well as numerous other engagements. He remained a steadfast patriot the rest of his life, believing in the uniqueness, greatness, and underlying goodness of his country.

Following the war, he earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degree from the University of Houston. His public service career included time as a teacher, principal and Superintendent of Aldine I.S.D., founding president of North Harris County College (now Lone Star College), first director of the Harris County Toll Road Authority, first Executive Director of the North Houston Association and member of the Board of Directors of Houston METRO. He volunteered and served as Treasurer of Memorial Baptist Church, President of his neighborhood civic club, and multiple terms on the Harris County Grand Jury. He was a member of the Aldine Lions Club, the North Houston – Greenspoint Chamber of Commerce, Red Red Rose and Phi Delta Kappa. The shelves in his study are filled with awards and honors far too many to list.

Impeccably honest and humble, he was a servant- leader who earned the trust and admiration of those with whom he worked. The penultimate builder he never basked in the spotlight, choosing instead to share credit with those who facilitated his achievements. His influence, profound impact and legacy have touched thousands of lives.

A devoted sailor and boater, he found peace and fulfillment at sea - a passion that he shared and passed on to three generations of his family. He would often ask after sailing clear of the boat basin, “Remind me again – what was I worried about yesterday?” “Lazy K”, “Windy I”, ”Windy II”, and the “Miss Iris” evidenced his love of the open water.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother Oscar. He is survived by his wife, Iris, his son Bill Thorne, III and wife Melissa; daughter Anita Stevens and husband Jim; 8 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and a multitude of friends too numerous to count. Services will be held Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at Memorial Baptist Church, 22333 Kuykendahl Rd., Spring, TX. 77379. Visitation begins at 1:00 p.m. followed by the Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to:

“W.W. Thorne Endowed Scholarship Fund”

Lone Star College Foundation

5000 Research Forest Dr.

The Woodlands, TX 77381