Ellis Lee Thornburg

Ellis Lee Thornburg, 74, of Dumas, TX went to be with the Lord on June19, 2024 at his home in Dumas. Born June 14, 1950 in Shattuck, OK, Ellis was the son of Ellis Morgan Thornburg and Mary Opal Klingler.

Ellis graduated from Pampa High school in 1968. He joined the US Army August 1969. He was stationed in Bad Kissingen, Germany for two years where he was a communication specialist and was honorably discharged in April 1972.

He was an operator at Valero Refinery in Sunray, TX, where he retired after 40 years of employment. He loved his family and was loved by them.

Ellis enjoyed sports with his boys. He coached wrestling and little league baseball. Woodworking was his passion. He enjoyed making various projects for his friends and family such as entertainment centers, curio cabinets, trophy cases, arrow head displays, and dressers are some of his handy work. Ellis will be remembered for his willingness to help others. He was fondly called BO, a nickname given to him by his sister Verna; as well as by his initials, E.T. which can be found in the cement at multiple locations at Valero. In 1978, Ellis made a confession of faith and was baptized at Bible Baptist in Dumas. An active and loved member of Calvary Baptist Church of Dumas, Ellis will be dearly missed.

Ellis is survived by his wife of 54 years Lavonna Thornburg, sons

Mark Thornburg and wife Lariza of Dumas, Mason Thornburg and wife Julianne of Chattanooga TN, and 11 grandchildren; Devin, Kaden, Sidney, Sarah, Cullen, Rayce, Rayleigh, Declan, Conner, Caroline, and Crew. Two great grandsons Xadrian and Ezeriah; sister Verna Price of Jennings, OK, and eight nieces and nephews. Ellis was preceded in death by his parents, son Matthew, and sister Donna Glover.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, July 20, 2024 at Calvary Baptist Church, 1315 Zauk Ave, Dumas, TX. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 1315 Zauk Ave, Dumas, TX 79029, or Memorial Hospice, 209 South Bliss Ave, Dumas, TX 79029.

Special thanks to Calvary Baptist Church members, family and friends, hospice caregivers, and Dumas EMT services.

Ellis's legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.