B. W. Thornburg, 87, passed away on July 19, 2011 at Methodist Germantown after a brief illness with his family at his side. He was born in Memphis on March 20, 1924, the only boy of six children. He has been reunited with his wife, Sue W. Thornburg of 63 years, who preceded him in death in April, 2011. He is survived by four children, all of the Memphis area, Wes Thornburg, Randy (Linda) Thornburg, Steve (Bridget) Thornburg, and Kathy (David) Thornburg-Gries. He also leaves behind one remaining sister, Beautone Winsett. He will deeply missed by his 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren all of the Memphis area. B. W. served his country in World War II as member of the Navy. After returning to Memphis he worked as pipefitter for Local 614 before becoming an owner of several mechanical contracting businesses. The principal founder of Morgan & Thornburg, Inc. he has been recognized as a pioneer in the mechanical contracting industry. Among his accomplishments he was an advisor to Memphis and Shelby County Code Enforcement and Past president of Memphis Mechanical Contractors Association. After retirement in 1991, he served as the 1993 Illustrious Potentate of AL Chymia Shrine Temple, serving the needs of burned and crippled children throughout the United States. The family will receive friends from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.Thursday, July 21, at Memorial Park Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, July 22 at Memorial Park Funeral Home. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to Al Chymia Shrine Burn Fund, 5770 Shelby Oaks Drive, Memphis TN 38134. Memorial Park Funeral Home, "Behind the stone wall" (Published in The Commercial Appeal on July 21, 2011)