WARSAW—The areas of the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula lost a true champion, James Lawrence “Larry” Thorn Sr., of Warsaw, when he joined his Heavenly Father on Sunday, August 25, 2024.
Known as “Lars” to his close friends and family, Larry was born January 22, 1941, to Lorraine and James Thorn. He was preceded in death by his childhood sweetheart and wife of 61 years, Dianne Elizabeth Nunnally Thorn. Larry was always willing to go the extra mile to support a friend, his family and his community.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Larry and his family moved to Richmond when Larry was 10. It was during his youth in Richmond that he was introduced to the love of his life “Di” by his best friend and her first cousin, Willie Nunnally. After graduating from Manchester High School in 1959, Larry served his country by enlisting in the Coast Guard.
At the completion of his active duty, Larry began his community involvement as an officer for the City of Richmond Police Department during the tumultuous 1960s. After many years of service, Larry left the police department to become an agent for Life of Virginia until he was offered his greatest opportunity—working with Willie, owner of Ed Nunnally’s Furniture. As Nunnally’s Furniture expanded, Larry was tasked with opening the company’s newest store in Warsaw. Larry, Di and their two children, Kem and Jamie, moved to the Northern Neck in 1975. Larry and Dianne purchased the store, and it would become Nunnally’s Floors and Decorating—a thriving local business for decades.
Dianne and Larry were both very dedicated to their local community. With a gift of storytelling, an exuberant laugh and an infectious smile, Larry shared his talents and accomplished a great deal as an active member of the Jaycees, The Rotary Club, the Vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church and Habitat for Humanity to name a few.
Larry also became very active in politics, working on the campaigns of Paul Trible and Margaret Ransone. While Larry was a registered Republican, he always supported the candidate who put the area first—including the late Democrat, Tayloe Murphy. His interest in politics and community led him to become an elected member of the Warsaw Town Council and a board member of both Riverside Hospital and the Northern Neck Regional Jail.
Larry was most proud of his organization of the annual Habitat for Humanity Golf Tournament played first at Bushfield Golf Course and later at Hobbs Hole. This event always drew hundreds and was the largest fund raiser for the local organization each year.
His community will greatly miss Larry’s impact. When not serving his community, Larry enjoyed reading and Bible study and was an accomplished historian.
Larry is survived by his children, Kem Thorn and Jamie Thorn (Faith); four grandchildren, Jake Martin, Justin Thorn (Sarah), Alivia Sorah (Clay) and Erin Nelligan (Ryan); and a great-granddaughter, Ashlee Martin. He is also survived by his brother in-law, Raleigh Nunnally (Janice); two dedicated sisters-in-law, Cheryl Nunnally (Fred Holshouser) and Becki Patterson (Chuck); and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 31, at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Tappahannock. The family accepted visitors starting at 9 a.m. in the Parrish Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church of Tappahannock or to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).
Welch Funeral Home of Warsaw handled the arrangements.
