Monty Renn Thornburg, 61, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away on August 18, 2021, at Atrium Cleveland in Shelby, NC.  He was born in Cleveland County, NC, son of the late Fred Love and Frances Dover Thornburg. He and was preceded in death by his sister, Brenda Thomas, and girlfriend, Ina Blanton.

   Monty was a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer who served as manager of Harris Funeral Home since 2017. He began his funeral service career at Harris Funeral Home in 1998.   He was retired from the City of Kings Mountain with over 32 years of service as the Senior Center Director.  He was a 1982 Graduate of Gardner-Webb University with a BS in Psychology and a 2006 honor graduate of Fayetteville Technical Community College with an AS Degree in Funeral Service. Monty viewed the funeral service as a noble profession and a ministry.
   Monty was very active in the Kings Mountain community. He was a member of Kings Mountain Baptist Church where he has served as past Treasurer, Deacon and Usher. He also served as Secretary of the Life Enrichment Center Advisory Board and was a former Secretary and Past President of the Children’s Homes of Cleveland County Board. He was a Commissioner of the Kings Mountain Housing Authority and served as a Trustee of the Cleveland County Healthcare System.  Always active, Monty also served on the Transportation Association of Cleveland County, member of Rotary, and served many years as a Hospice volunteer. Always an advocate for senior adults, he was a certified Medicare SHIIP Counselor, assisting Medicare and Medicaid recipients with their prescription drug plans and Medicare Supplement insurance.  Monty was a proponent of end of life issues and served with JOURNEY, the End of Life Coalition of Cleveland County.
   In June 2015, Monty was honored with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award. He was humbled and surprised to be nominated for this award by his funeral service mentor and friend, Ronald Hawkins. 
Monty enjoyed cooking, walking, swimming, and spending time with his beloved pets: Ella, Bob, and Mortie.  Monty was the kindest, warmest, and most genuine brother, uncle, and friend that a person could know. His friendship, love, kindness, and generosity were extended to all that he knew.  Monty will be greatly missed by his loving family, friends, and all who knew him.

 SURVIVORS: Sister: Debbie Parker and husband Ray, Stockbridge, GA
Nieces and Nephews: Jennifer Evans, Corbin Parker, Todd Thomas, Taylor Evans, Christopher Evans, Alyssa Thomas and Hunter Thomas
Numerous cousins and other family and friends. 

Harris Funeral Home FamilyGRAVESIDE SERVICE: Sunday, August 22, 2021, at 3:00 pm

Rev. Tim Whitesides, officiatingLie in State: 12:00 - 2:00 pm Sunday, August 22, 2021   INTERMENT: Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, North CarolinaMEMORIALS:

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Cleveland County Humane Society, 1609 E. Marion Street, Shelby, NC 28150 

GUEST REGISTER AVAILABLE AT WWW.HARRISFUNERALS.COM
ARRANGEMENTS:  HARRIS FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, KINGS MOUNTAIN, NORTH CAROLINA