William "Bill" Thorne

William Henry Thorne, age 84, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan passed away early Monday morning, December 14, 2015 at War Memorial Hospital. Bill was born on February 4, 1932 in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to the late Edward and Henrietta (Thompson) Thorne. He graduated from Sault Area High School with the class of 1950. Later he continued his education, receiving a Bachelor's Degree from Lake Superior State University in 1996. Bill was best known as a radio broadcaster. He worked in radio over 68 years and met many famous people including: Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline, President Richard Nixon and many more. Bill was also given many awards over the years. Some of which were from the American Broadcasting Association, Mr. Deejay USA in Nashville, TN on July 26, 1959 at the Grand Ole Opry, and the Lighthouse 2002 award from LSSU in recognition of past and continued support for the university. Bill had one of the longest running radio programs in "Hymn Time", airing from 1957 until present. Bill enjoyed going to local hockey games and following the Red Wings. He loved listening to his brother-in-law: Bill Crawford, as the "Voice of the Lakers". He was a member of the Bay Mills Indian Community, Salvation Army, and a past member of both the Rotary Club and the Elks Club. Bill is survived by his wife: Constance (Crawford) Thorne, whom he married on February 17, 1968 at First Baptist Church in Sault Ste. Marie, MI; four sons: Daniel (Kris) Thorne, Edward (Mike Wendlowsky) Thorne, and John (Marcey) Thorne all of Sault Ste. Marie, MI, and Steve Hollingsworth of Tucson, AZ; four grandchildren: Julie (Wally) Bazinau, Rebecca (Jordan) Veit, Chelsey Thorne, and Harrison Thorne; five great grandchildren: Taylor Pitko and Grace, Eden, Elijah, and Josie Veit; and several nieces. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his sister: Shirley (Charlie) Williams. A visitation will be held from 5:00 until 8:00 PM on Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at C.S. Mulder Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, December 17, 2015 at the funeral home with Pastor Rod Case officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Entombment will be at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to the War Memorial Hospital Cancer Care Center in Bill's name.

Tributes

William "Bill" Thorne

February 4, 1932 - December 14, 2015