Garland Gene Thornburg

Garland Gene “Papa” Thornburg was born on March 11, 1941, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to James Othur Thornburg and Dorothy Lee (Winningham) Thornburg. He passed away on July 7, 2026, in Bradley, Oklahoma, at the age of 85. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, compassion, and unwavering loyalty to those he loved. Garland made the move to Bradley, Oklahoma as a teenager, it was there that he chose to call home for the rest of his life. On August 3, 1962, at the age of 21, he married the love of his life, Mary Sue Prince in Stillwell, Oklahoma. Together, they shared over six decades of deep devotion, love, and family memories. Garland was a proud veteran, he served his country with honor for four years in the United States Marines. He was a hardworking and dedicated businessman, he built and operated a successful wireline business, earning the respect of those who worked alongside him. Later in life, he owned and operated a hotshot business, demonstrating the same determination, strong work ethic, and commitment that defined his career. Garland was a man who believed that family was life’s greatest blessing. He cherished every moment spent with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his precious great-great-grandbaby. Whether sharing stories, laughter, playing poker or simply enjoying time together, his happiest moments were those spent with family and friends. Garland will be remembered for his strength, generosity, and the example he set through a lifetime of dedication to both his family and his work. His love, wisdom, and steady presence touched the lives of everyone who knew him. Though he will be deeply missed, the memories he created and the values he instilled will continue to live on through his family and friends. Garland will be forever loved and remembered. Left to cherish Garland’s memory is his wife, Mary Sue Thornburg of Bradley, Oklahoma, his daughters, Donna Thornburg and husband Pete Williams of Bradley, Oklahoma, and Terri Sheets of Bradley, Oklahoma, his grandchildren, Tyler Gene Stapp, and Colter Ples Thornburg, his great-grandchildren, Michael Gene Stapp and, Hannah Stapp, Gunner Thornburg, Garland “Grant” Thornburg, and Kaegynn Thornburg, his great-great-granddaughter, Everlee Stapp, along with many other family and friends. Garland is preceded in death by his daughter, Sherre Thornburg, his parents, James and Dorothy Thornburg, his siblings, Joe Thornburg, Roy Thornburg, Jimmie Dale Thornburg, Richard Thornburg, Marion Thornburg, Sandra Lee Nye, and Bobby “Corky” Anderson. A graveside service to honor Garland’s life will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at the Bradley Cemetery in Bradley, Oklahoma. Services are under the direction of Scott and Angel Wilbourn of Wilbourn Family Funeral Home. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.wilbournfamilyfuneralhome.com

Garland Gene Thornburg

March 11, 1941 - July 7, 2026

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