Newell B. Thornhill, Jr.

Newell B. Thornhill, Jr.

8/20/2024

The rich life of Newell B. Thornhill, Jr., 95, passed to eternity on August 20, 2024. Newell was born October 7, 1928, in Polk County, Florida. His life paralleled the history of Florida. Newell was born into the Great Depression, and fondly told stories of growing up on a family farm without electricity or plumbing, butchering meat for George Jenkins before there was Publix, and "rassling" alligators to sell to the Alligator Farm. After high school, his enlistment in the U.S. Marine Corps instilled discipline and pride that would last all his years.

In 1949, Newell married his beloved Jewell. He graduated with the 7th recruit class of the Florida Highway Patrol in 1950, or as Jewell would say, "they both" joined the Patrol. They began in Tampa and moved toward the east coast over the years, eventually being stationed in DeLand where Newell was the FHP Lt. supervising Volusia, Flagler, and Seminole Counties. Along the way, they raised three sons. Those who were blessed to have heard Newell's stories, know these were legendary years. They included friendships with Bill France, Sr. and Jr. in the first years of the Speedway, connections with governors and many other dignitaries, and even an Elvis encounter when Newell pulled over a speeding pink Cadillac. Newell eventually retired as an FHP Captain in 1983.

Upon retirement from FHP, Newell worked for Volusia County and served as Volusia County Clerk of Court 1991-1992. Newell was a 32nd Degree Mason, Scottish Rites, Shriner. He was a devoted Christian and member of Daytona Beach First Baptist Church. Even in his later years, Newell remained an avid outdoorsman and hunter and knew the Florida woods intimately. When he passed, it was beneath a bright full moon, straight overhead, "a hunter's moon."

Newell's marriage to Jewell lasted sixty-six years until Jewell's passing in 2015. Newell is also pre-deceased by his son Newell B. Thornhill, III (“Rocky”). He leaves behind sons David and his wife Sharon, son Darryl and his wife Leslie, and Rocky’s wife Marilyn. Newell also leaves five grandchildren and a great-grandchild. Five of Newell's siblings also survive, along with many other cherished relatives. Newell and his family are especially grateful to his loving companion, Donna Sheridan, who was the light of his final years.

A Celebration of Newell's Life Well-Lived will be Tuesday, September 3, 1:00-3:00 at Lankford Funeral Home, DeLand. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for consideration of donations to Shriners Children’s Hospital. https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/fundraiser/5706591

The service will be livestreamed to YouTube via this link: https://youtube.com/live/FhGxPbjUHzo