Aberdeen – William Martin Thorpe, age 90, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2022 at Moore Memorial Hospital in Pinehurst, NC after a recent surgery.
On December 16, 1931, William became the first-born child to Wrent Gerome Thorpe and Ella Mae Thorpe of Rockingham, N.C. He was proud of his mill hill heritage and was filled with a grit that carried him through life. He started a shoeshine business at the age of 9 to help support his family. He joined the United States Air Force at 18 and served in both Vietnam and Korea where he earned a Bronze Star with Valor and a Purple Heart. He served as part of the elite Red Horse Combat Construction Team, rebuilding runways while under attack during war time, a testament to his work ethic and love of country. He retired from the United States Air Force after 26 years of dedicated service. He always had a smile for those who needed one, a laugh for anyone who was blessed to be in his presence, and a bit of honest advice for anyone who needed to hear truth. He was a simple man…most would categorize him as “salt of the Earth”. He believed that everyone has value and he never met a stranger. His family, church, friends, and community are the benefactors of his loving and generous spirit.
Friends will be received at Boles Funeral Home in Southern Pines on Friday, April 1st from 5-7 PM and a Celebration of Life Service will be held at Aberdeen First Baptist Church on April 2nd at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Eastside Cemetery in Rockingham, NC, with full military honors.
Bill is survived by his son, Bryce Thorpe (Merralee), Daughter Annette Hyder (Donnie); Grandchildren Carrie Mabe, Teri Thorpe, Cassidy Patterson, Rebekah Lindhardt, Will Thorpe, Emily Stanley, Katie Hyder; Great Grand Children, Joshua Mabe, Gracie Mabe, Amber Webster, Elissa Dixon, Hunter Dixon, Savannah Chance, Kennedy Stanley, and Yrsa Lindhardt.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Elda Thorpe, Richard Thorpe (brother), Patricia Butler and Helen Smith (sisters), Bryan Thorpe (Son), and great grandson Tanner Dixon.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Warrior 180 Foundation at https://warrior180.org/.
Online condolences may be left at: www.bolesfuneralhome.com
Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.
