Murrell Warren “Teedy” Thornhill, Jr., was one of the most beloved and influential Lynchburg citizens of the 20th century.
Thornhill was the first African American mayor of the Hill City (1990–1992) and the first council member elected from Lynchburg’s historically Black Ward II (1976). On August 19, 2023, a life-sized bronze statue of Thornhill was unveiled and dedicated in the center of the Fifth Street roundabout in Lynchburg. The statue honors Thornhill’s pioneering public service in the Hill City, as well as his lifelong association with historic Fifth Street. See below for a video of the ceremony.
A Lifetime of Service
M. W. Thornhill, Jr., was born in Lynchburg on March 31, 1921, the eldest son of the late Murrell W. Thornhill, Sr., and Alease Gilbert Thornhill. “Teedy,” as he was affectionately called, graduated from Lynchburg’s Dunbar High School in the class of 1940. He also attended and graduated from St. Emma Military Academy near Powhatan, Virginia. He was a faithful member and trustee of Court Street Baptist Church.
Thornhill was a funeral director by profession. He graduated from Eckels College of Embalming and Funeral Services of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Following graduation, he returned home to become managing director of Community Funeral Home on Fifth Street. He later became president and owner of the establishment, a position he held until his death.
Thornhill was active in local politics his entire life. He served as president of the Lynchburg Voter’s League for over 40 years. In 1964 he became the first Black citizen of Lynchburg to run for elected office since the 1890’s. He was also the first Black member of the Sixth Congressional District Democratic Committee.
He was a proud member of The Revelers, a local men’s social club established in the early 1900’s.
Thornhill passed away in 2016 after a long illness.
For more information about M. W. Thornhill, Jr., please see these websites and video:
http://www.whjones1.magix.net/all-albums/!/oa/7357544/mode/matrix/
