William "Bill" Thorne

William "Bill" Douglas Thorne, 82, of Shelbyville, Kentucky, passed away on Monday, June 2, 2025.

He was born on October 11, 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky to the late Roy and Lucille (Klein) Thorne. He is also preceded in death by his daughter, Denise Emberton.

Bill was a proud graduate of Flaget High School. He attended Bellarmine College, graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and secondary education. Then he earned credit hours toward a master's degree from Murray State University. Bill taught in the JCPS system for three years, then moved into the insurance industry, where his career spanned 41 years.

Everyone acquainted with Bill certainly knew he was an avid lifelong fan of the University of Kentucky athletics program, rarely missing a football or basketball game. Bill was dedicated to daily fitness throughout his life, with great love for running and playing golf, as well as for his regular exercise regimen at the gym at Southeast Christian Church for many years. As a devoted Christian, he volunteered in a variety of programs and kept a constant commitment to his own spiritual growth in his faith. Always a devoted family man, Bill’s greatest joy was spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandson.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Susan (Bainbridge) Thorne; children, Barry Thorne, Diane Darst, Steve Thorne; grandchildren, Jacob, Luke and Natalee Emberton, Audrey Thorne, Adam Scarboro and great-grandson, Leo Troutman. He is also survived by his brothers, Charley Thorne (Jayne) and Jim Thorne (Shirley).

Visitation will be from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Sunday, June 8, 2025 at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions (235 Juneau Drive, Louisville, KY 40243).

His funeral service will be at 2:00 pm on Monday, June 9, 2025 at Chapel In The Woods (1407 Moser Road, Louisville, KY 40299).

In lieu of flowers the family requests that any contributions in Bill’s memory be made to Food for the Poor (6401 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, Florida 33073) and/or The Alzheimer's Association (101 Bullitt Lane #208, Louisville, KY 40222).

To share a memory of Bill or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.