Curtis Thornburg

Milton Curtis Thornburg, 84, of Farmer, passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2026.

Funeral services, will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, 908 Albemarle Road, Asheboro, with Pastor Jamie Autry and Commander Ken Spivey officiating. Burial will follow at Farmer Cemetery.

It is with deep love and heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He lived a life marked by quiet strength, unwavering integrity, humble service, and an enduring love for both God and people. His faith was the foundation of his life, and he sought to honor the Lord through the way he lived, worked, and cared for those around him.

Curtis was born in Randolph County, NC, on January 29, 1942. He was the son of the late Hubert Samuel & Selma Mae Thornburg. He graduated in 1961 from Farmer High School. From 1963 - 1965, he served his country honorably in the United States Army as a 5th Corps Long Range Reconn paratrooper, demonstrating courage, discipline, and commitment—qualities that remained evident throughout his life. After his military service, he returned home and built a lifelong career in the textile industry, where he faithfully worked as a supervisor and later in maintenance. He earned the respect of his coworkers through his strong work ethic, dependable leadership, and honesty.

He was a faithful member of the Church of God for over 50 years and was a current member of Denton Church of God. Curtis loved his church family and was committed to serving the Lord. His faith was not something he simply professed—it was evident in the way he lived each day. He sought to honor God through his compassion for others, and his willingness to serve wherever he was needed. His quiet example of Christian faith left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Those who knew him will remember a man of remarkable character. He was strong yet gentle, humble yet steadfast, and honest in all that he did. He loved God sincerely, loved his family wholeheartedly, and treated others with kindness, fairness, and respect. He was well-liked because he genuinely cared for others, and he lived with a quiet confidence that inspired those around him.

Outside of work, he found joy in the simple blessings of life. He loved being outdoors, working with his hands, and spending time hunting. Those quiet moments in a chair under a shade tree brought him peace and reflected his appreciation for God's creation.

Above all else, he loved his family. He was a loving husband who cherished his wife with steadfast devotion. He was a proud father who led by example, offering wisdom, strength, encouragement, and unconditional love to his children. His heart grew even fuller with the arrival of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in his life and brought him immeasurable joy.

After retiring, his servant's heart continued as he became a member of the Randolph County Honor Guard, where he faithfully honored fellow veterans with dignity, respect, and gratitude until illness no longer allowed him to serve.

Though his family grieves his passing, they rejoice in the legacy he leaves behind—a legacy of faith, love, service, strength, and honor. His influence will continue through the family he treasured, the friends he encouraged, the veterans he honored, and the countless lives he touched with his quiet example.

While he will be deeply missed, his memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him. May he rest in the eternal peace, love, and grace of his Savior, hearing the words, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Helen Thornburg, his son, Kirt Lee Thornburg, his daughters, Sandra Howard (Jon) and Wendy Sawyer (Kevin) all of Asheboro. Grandchildren, Ryan Howard, Lauren Howard, Casey Thornburg, Cameron Crawford, Jacob Sawyer & Sarah Autry (Noah). Great-Grandchildren, Nolan Howard, Adelyn Howard, Aubrey Howard & Kayleigh Howard. He is survived by sister, Nancy Hardin, brother, Robert "Bobby" Thornburg. Two nieces and three nephews. He also, was preceded in death by a grandson, Aaron Michael Howard, and a nephew, Shane R. Thornburg.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 until 10:45 a.m., Saturday, prior to the service at Ridge Funeral Home.